Adventures in New Guinea; nine years in captivity among the Orangwoks, a tribe in the interior of New Guinea. The narrative of Louis Trégance, a French sailor

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PUNISHMENT Of CKIMINALS.

Trontispiece,

ADVENTURES IN NEW GUINEA

THE NAERATIVE OF LOUIS TREGANCE
Jl Jrench gailm:

NINE YEARS IN CAPTIVITY AMONG THE ORANGWOKS
A TRIBE IN THE INTERIOR OF NEW GDINEA

EDITED, AND WITH AN INTRODUCTION, BY

THE REV. HENRY CROCKER

INCHMBEXT OF BI. AITKB'S, ■WBbZmaI, N.Z.

NEW AND CEEAPER EDITIOH

LONDON

sampso:n low, marston & company

limited
§>\. glimstau's ^otlfl*

Fettek Lane, Fleet Stbeet, E.G.
1894

[All rights reserved']

LONDOl'f!

PRINTED BY GILBERT AND ^IVINGTON, LD.,

ST. JOHN'S HOUSE. CLKRKEMWELL KOAL), E.G.

INTEODUCTION.

The following narrative contains tlie life and
adventures ^f Louis Tregance, while in cap-
tivity among the Orangwoks, a tribe inhabit-
ing the interior of New Guinea, from which
place he made his escape to the continent of
Australia. However, it will be better that
he should tell his own story, contained in the
following narrative ; and in introducing it to
the public, I will simply explain how I came
to accept the task of preparing it for the
press, and to what extent I am responsible
for wliat is here written. In the beginning
of March (the 7th of that month, I find from
my note-book), I was called in to visit a sick
parishioner — a young man, a stranger to the
place. He was suffering from an attack of
typhoid fever, and was exceedingly ill. He
was apparently about thirty-five years old,
and his face was well bronzed. He was the
mate of a colonial vessel, and had been taken
ill on her arrival in port. His friend the

1362038

iv Introduction^

captain, Philip Rigaud, had left him ander
the care of the people of the house, and had
otherwise provided for his necessities. On
his recovery he was to join his ship at New-
castle, whither she had sailed about a week
before. All this I learned from the people
in whose care he was left. I saw him con-
stantly after this, until he recovered, and was
able to get about. Finding him an intelli-
gent man, and knowing him to be without
friends in the place, I invited him frequently
to come and spend an hour or so with me,
during his period of convalescence. As he
accepted my invitation we had many oppor-
tunities of conversing together, and on one
of these occasions he told me something of his
history. I immediately saw, as I thought,
the importance of his story, and pressed him
to put his adventures upon paper. This he
ultimately did, and the following pages are
the result.

My part as editor is soon explained. I
have assisted to express the author's meaning
more clearly, by making occasional alterations
in the words used, and in the construction of
his sentences. Generally, however, I found
his style clear, and perfectly intelligible, so
that my labour in this respect w^as very slight.

A few notes have also been appended.

IiitrodiictiGn, V

where tlicy have seemed to mo to be required.
As tlie author had several sketches of the
scenery of New Guinea in his possession, 1
obtained his permission to have these copied.
They are pubHshed with the narrative, and
will help to elucidate the narrative itself.
In reference to these sketches I must explain,
first, that the originals were roughly done ;
they were evidently the work of a self-taught
man ; and that they were more or less
defaced, as they had been in his possession
for a long time ; and, lastly, that I obtained
tlie assistance of my friend Mr. Hull in pre-
paring them for publication, and his artistic
skill has been brought to bear upon them.
Tregance has also in his possession a sketch
of Lamlam. And althouo-h he was unwilliun:
that this should be copied, yet he has allowed
me to describe the face and expression whicli
were represented in that portrait. An oval
face, olive-coloured — with large, lustrous,
sad-looking eyes — nose of the Grecian type
— hair straight and black, but not long.
Such were the principal features of the
portrait of Lamlam. The expression was
pleasing, but melancholy. These remarks
will not, I hope, be without interest to those
frho read the chapters referring to the person
who is thus described.

v^i Introctzichon,

As the true character of the book is evident
to the careful reader, it is unnecessary that
more should be said by way of introduction
to it.

Heney Ceockek.

St. Ann's Parsonage^,
Were MAI N.Z.

PEEFACE.

The clergyman wlio lias been kind enougli to
revise this narrative of my adventures in New
Guinea, lias explained liow it came to be
given to the world. I have, therefore, only
to say, that what I have selected from my
notes and recollections of the kingdom of
K'ootar is but a small portion of the whole ;
yet it contains, probably, the most striking
and interesting facts which came under my
knowledge. There are some subjects on
which I am not able to speak with that infor-
mation which could make my words of real
value — as, for instance, the nature of the
trees and flowers of the country — the various
kinds of animals which are found in New
Guinea — at best I can only describe, and that
very imperfectly, such things as came under
my own observation. Of those things, there-
fore, I have said but little. Of the habits,
customs, and beliefs of the people, I can
speak more fully, as it did not require more

VIII

Preface,

than the possession of average intelligence to
enable me to understand what I saw and
lieard during my nine years' residence among
tbe Orangwoks. Any further information
tliat lies in my power to give will be given
with pleasure to those who seek it.

Louis Tr^gance.

Ship "Newcastle,"
Septemher, 1875.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Punishment of CnmiNALS
The Wild Sea . .
The Capture . »
]\[ap op New Guinea
The Trul ,

Frontispiece

To face 44

„ C>Q

» 128

» 219

ADVENTURES IN NEW GUINEA.

CHAPTER I.

I WAS born in the Province of Maine, in a
little village on its southern border, and until
I was nearly twelve years old I knew very
little of the world outside my native village.
Before I was seven years old my father taught
me to read, and this was all the schooling I
got until I left home, for my father died when
I reached the age of seven. He was a good
man, I am sure, for I can remember many of
the lessons he gave me about Grod and Christ,
and how he taught me always to do what I
knew to be right, without fearing man.

He did not fear the cure as much as my
mother did ; indeed he did not fear him at
all, for he always spoke his opinions freely in
the cure's presence, and was not afraid to
argue with him. My mother, on the con-
trary, was always afraid of the priest, and
would scold my father, when they were alone,
for not showing greater reverence to the

u

2 Advcnittrcs in New Guinea.

priest of God. At tliis my father would
laugli, and reply, "Do you think, wife, that
the great and good God would give to such
men as our priests the power to bless or curso
His creatures ? Depend upon it, God loves
His creatures too well to leave them in the
hands of any deputy. The Emperor appoints
officers to take the oversight of his empire,
because he cannot overlook everything him-
self; and see what mismanagement arises
through the negligence of his officers. But
God, who is everywhere, requires no deputies
to act for Him. The cure is a good man,
and as such I respect him, yet he has no
power either to bless or curse God's people."

This was a long speech for my father to
make, but I remember it, for he often said the
same thing to me while he was teaching mo.

It was a great loss as well as a great
sorrow to me when my dear father died.

We had always been poor, even when he
lived, and after his death we were poorer
than ever ; so now I got no more teaching,
for I was required to spend all my time in
assisting my mother in various ways.

I learnt the Paternoster and the Credo
from the cure, and this was all I knew of
religion, except what my father had taught
me.

Adventtt7'es in New Gtiinca. 3

During all tlio week I was kept at work,
and had little time for play ; but wlieu
Sunday came, after prayers and sermon from
the cure, we all assembled in the open park
for onr games, and then I played until 1 was
tired out, after which I slept soundly till
Monday came again.

Althongh there were many hardships in
that early part of my life, for food was scarce
at times, and the winters were trying with
such poor clothes as we wore, yet I was
happ3', and 1 look back to those early years
with feelings of regret.

When I was about ten years old, I re-
member going to another village with Philip
Rigaud, who was two years older than my-
self. My mother had given me a holiday, for
she was also dressed for one, althongh she
did not come with us.

She told me to take a long day, and gave
me plenty of food to take with me. So
Philip and I sauntered along the high road
very happy, for wo were fast friends. Philip
told me stories about the sea, and I asked
him what the sea was like.

"Dost thou not know, Louis?" (My
name is Louis Trcgance.)

" No, how can I, Philip ? I have never
been away from our little village."
B 2

4 Adventures in Nezv G^iinca.

" But did not thy father teach thee ? "

Then seemg that he had awakened in me
a painful memory, he said, —

" Come, Louis, I will take thee to a place
where thou shalt see the great ocean, and I
will tell thee all that I know about it. And
then we will go to Blanc, the old gardener,
who has travelled on the sea, and he will tell
us stories about his adventures when he was
a sailor."

About seven miles from our village there
was a high hill, so high that none of us
children ever cared to climb it, and from the
top of this hill Philip said the ocean could be
seen. So, excited by the words of Philip, I
consented to join him in climbing to its top,
that we might catch a glimpse of the new
world where men lived in houses that moved
along driven by the wind, without breaking
up, and that carried them to new places
every day, so that they never saw the same
place two days together. After several hours'
hard walking, broken by intervals of resting,
we reached a high peak of the hill. So eager
was I to see this new world of which Philip
had told me, that I rushed up the last slope
of the ascent, breathless though I was from
our long journey, and looked eagerly around.
I could see nothing but hills, plains, and

Adveniures in N'cw Guinea. 5

houses, (I Imd never imagined them to be so
numerous,) and a dull, leaden-looking cloud
beyond them all.

" Alas ! Philip," I cried to him, " it is not
here — the ocean of which you spoke."

*' See, my friend," he replied, pointing to
the dull leaden clouds, " see. that is the ocean,
look," and, following the direction of his
hand, I gazed intently, and saw a speck of
white moving. *' Is that a bird ? " I asked.

" No, that is a ship ; she is moving across
the water that you see so far away." And
now I could perceive that that which I had
mistaken for a cloud was unlike one — that it
was a broad plain, and that a ship w^is
moving across it. As I looked, the sun, wdiich
had been hidden since we had been standing
here, came out, and then a sheet of light il-
luminated the ship's pathway, which became
like burnished gold.

" See, Philip, how beautiful ! " I exclaimed,
in an ecstasy of delight. My companion was
charmed with my enthusiasm, for the sight
was commonplace to him. He had lived near
the sea before coming to our village.

This day was an eventful one to me ; for
on my return home, very late and very tired,
I found M. Cobot, one of the villagers that I
had never liked, at home with my mother.

6 Adventures in jYe7C' Guinea.

He liad often been to our house lately, and I
had not liked him any the more on tliafc
account. To-night he was sitting before the
fire when I entered the room, and my mother
Tvas standing by his side, his arm was round
her waist, and she appeared as if she had just
risen from his knee. She at once came to
me, and, kissing me, said, " Come, mon fils,
let me present thee to thy new father, M.
Cob6t." I could not believe I had heard
aright; I was filled with indignation, and,
regardless of consequences, replied, " He is
not my father; my father is in the grave,
and I wish I was with him." On hearing
this speech, which was a very rude one (and
I can only excuse it by saying I was very
tired), my poor mother burst into tears, and
my step-father (for he was married to my
mother), rising from his seat, spoke severely
to me, threatening me for my conduct to my
mother. This recalled me to myself, and,
after kissing my mother and apologizing to
my step-father, I shrank away to my room.
Of course this was a bad beginning, and did
not incline M. Cobot to look upon me with
favour.

Next morning, before anybody was stirring,
I got up and walked to the cemetery. I had
been accustomed to go there with my mother

Adi'cnfurcs in Nciv Guinea. 7

in the happy days that were gone, to look at
tlie neat little grave of my father, to arrange
the wooden cross at its head, and to lay a few
flowers on the green turf. When I reached
there my heart was full of sorrow, and,
throwing myself on the cold grave, I spoke
to my father and told him all the trouble
that was in his child's heart. In a little
while I f(slt calmer, and was able to return
home in a more contented mood. Yet I re-
solved I would never call M. Cobot father.
The day passed off well enough, for my step-
father never took any notice of me after the
first morning salutation. Had he always
acted in this way all would have been well,
and I should have spent all my days in France,
instead of wandering in strange lands ; but
he conceived as violent a dislike to me as I
had taken to him, and treated me very cruelly
at times in spite of my mother's entreaties
on ray behalf. Two years were spent in this
way, and in secret intercourse with Philip
and Blanc the gardener, who fired our boyish
imaginations with stories of the sea and
foreign countries where he had travelled.
Philip and I had a thought in our hearts
which gradually grew into action. AYe talked
it over between ourselves until we came to
think it entirely practicable. We resolved to

8 Advenhires in Neiv Guinea.

leave the village, to travel to a sea-port, and
become sailors. This idea expanded itself in
our imaginations until we could no longer
free ourselves from its fascination. After a
fresh instance of M. Cobot's cruelty I arranged
with Philip that we would leave on a certain
morning very early. This was in the autumn,
and then I went home to make preparations
for running away. Ah, how sorry I felt
when I saw my poor mother's pale face and
knew I should leave her behind me ! I wound
my arms round her and kissed her. This
unwonted instance of affection surprised her,
but she took me into her arms, and, sitting
down, talked to me.

*' Louis, I wish thou wouldst try to love
]\r. Cobdt for my sake. He will then be kind
to thee, poor chikl ! "

My tears fell fast as I sobbed out my reply.
*' I will always think of him kindly for your
sake, ma mere ; but I cannot give him the
love which belongs to my own father."

She sighed as I kissed her again and asked
her forgiveness for all my acts of naughtiness.
During the evening M. Cobot was kinder to
me than usual, and my mother took many
opportunities of expressing her love for me.
Such kindness well-nigh took away all my
resolve to leave home. Yet I made my

Adventures in Nc7v Gninca. g

preparations, which were soon made, and got
to my room at an earlier honr than usual,
after kissing my mother with great affection.
My excitement kept me awake for a long
time, so that I heard my mother preparing
for her bed. She came to me before she went,
and, turning down the bed-clothes, as she was
wont to do, looked at me and kissed me again.
I threw my arms round her and returned her
embrace. " Grood night, Louis, the good
God keep thee ! " and so she left me. Again
my resolution faltered, and I had nearly given
up all idea of running off, when a gentle tap
came at my window. This was the signal
agreed upon between Philip and myself. At
once I sprang up, and, dressing myself
quietly, was soon in the presence of my com-
rade. "Courage, mon ami," said Philip.
*' Soon we shall be on the great ocean and
shall return laden with wealth. Courage ! "
And indeed I needed some strengthening at
this moment, for the memory of all my
mother's love and of M. Cobdt's new kindness
was upon me. We had decided to keep the
high road until daylight, when we were to
turn off into the by-ways and strike across
the country. We hoped in this way to avoid
any hue and cry that might be raised, and so
pursue our course to the sea unmolested.

lO Adventures in New Guinea.

We walked steadily along the main road for
about four hours, and made good progress.
At sunrise we halted and made a hearty
breakfast out of our small stock of food. A3
the sun was well up in the heavens before we
had rested ourselves suflSciently, on resuming
our journey we decided to turn off the mahi
road at once. This we did, taking our route
across fields and meadows. If there was any
pursuit of us, we thus avoided our pursuers.
It is not necessary that I should relate all
tlie incidents of those wearisome days.
Suffice it to say that we often wished our-
selves home again, for we were frequently
hungry and weary, and always in fear, cither
of falling into the hands of the officer of
poHce, or of those of our pursuers, and so
being carried back ignominiously to our
homes. As we were frequently without food,
for our little stock lasted us barely two days,
and we had to depend upon the charity of the
people of the country through which we were
passing, and always had to lie out at night,
our hardships began to tell upon us, and w^e
became gaunt and emaciated in appearance
Still we kept up under the hope that some
day we should be at our destination — the
nearest sea-port — and then should realize
our long-cherished hope. So we toiled on

Adventures in Nczv Gninca. 1 1

until, on tlio tenth dav, when all heart wa3
passing from us, Philip suddenly exclaimed,
" See, Louis, there is the ocean ! " And,
indeed, there it was straight before us. We
had just turned the point of a hill which ran
into the road. There lay the ocean, quite
close, not more than two or three miles from
us. I could see the huge waves, wrapped in
their white foam, rolling upon the shore.
And now I could understand the noise which
had been filling my ears for a long time. It
was the roll of the surf upon the beach, and
soon we saw the masts of ships, like a forest,
and as I carried my eye along, houses,
churches, and public buildings, such as I had
never seen before, came into view.

" This is our destination," said Philip.
" Let us hasten." In about an hour we
entered the town. The streets were filled
with people, but nobody took any notice of
us. We were ashamed of our poor clothing
and miserable appearance. But we attracted
no notice from the lazy people who thronged
the streets. We pressed on, feeling very
hungry and sick, for we had been more than
twenty-four hours without food.

*' Philip," I said, " I must have something
to eat ; I am sick."

" Stay, mon ami, I will get you food ;

1 2 Advenhircs in Nezv Guinea,

courage, my little companion;" and, leaving
me near a baker's shop, Philip darted off, and
began to address himself to the passers-by.
At times he pointed to me, and one of the
persons addressed by him, putting his hand
in his pocket, gave him something. My
comrade rushed back to me, and, holding up
a franc piece, said, —

" Courage, Louis, we shall have food."
After satisfying our hunger, we again
pushed on nntil we reached the harbour. At
last we stood upon the wharf and looked
upon the vast ships, whose sides rose many
feet above the level of the planks on which
we stood. In order to reach their decks we
should have had to climb up a ladder, and we
had not the courage to do this ; so we con-
tinued walking along until we came to a vessel
whose deck was flush with the wharf. Philip
immediately went on board, and after some
hesitation I followed him. The man to whom
Philip spoke, asking him to take us as cabin-
boys, replied, after looking closely at each of
"US in turn, —

" So, my little men, you want to be sailors,
to leave Belle France, to tread over the wide
world ? Well, as I happen to want two little
men, and you are likely boys, I will take you
in my ship, the ViUe du Havre. So come

Adventttrcs in Nciu Giiinca. 13

.ihoard and enter your names on tlio ship's
books," he said, with a smile.

Surprised and overjoyed at this unexpected
answer to our first appfication, we hurried to
obey the direction of the man, who turned
out to be the first mate. After some inquiry
as to our names, ages, and place of residence,
we were sent below to dinner, which was, we
thought, like the dinner of a king.

The result of our application was that we
were accepted as apprentices (although not
registered) on board of the Yille dii Havre,
sailing next day for Liverpool. Philip and I
fell into our bunks that night with feelings
of the deepest satisfaction and thankfulness.

14 Advcnhires in Nczv Guinea,

CHAPTER II.

The Ville da Havrc^ of wliicli the captain
and the mate were part-owners, drew out
into the Channel early in the morning, and
made ready to sail. For some reason Philip
and I were kept below until we were well
out of the harbour, when we were allowed to
go on deck and expected to make ourselves
useful. As soon as we met the fresh breeze
the ship began to dance and roll, creating
strange sensations in us. This was the terrible
mal de mer, of which one never hears enough,
and never thinks enough, until one has ex-
perienced it oneself. I cannot say how I
felt, except that I felt sick, and yet I was
not sick. My head began to ache, my brain
began to reel as if I would fall, and I did not
care to stand upright.

" Oh, Philip ! " I said, " this is dreadful !
What is the matter with us ? " For he was
as pale as one dead.

" This is sea-sickness, Louis. It will soon
be over.' Keep a brave heart, my friend."

Tlie kind mate came to us, and told us to

Adventures in Nezv Guinea. 15

lie down for a lifctle while, which we gladly
did. As the wind increased the ship rose
and fell as if she was jumping over the
waves, and then I felt as if the whole of my
inside was coming into my month. I tried
to cry out to Philip, but I vomited the instant
I opened my mouth. I continued this
vomiting for several minutes, which con-
tinued until my mouth filled with some bitter
stuff, and after this I felt easier, and lay
down. I continued ill for several days, for
we had a head wind, and during all this time
I wished myself back again with my dear
mother and M. Cob6t. I often saw the
village, with its little church and the kind
cure; the quiet cemetery, where lay my
father; the park, in which the boys and girls
assembled to dance; and then my mind
wandered back to the fields of rich corn, the
thick clustering grapes. I would have given
anything for a taste of the ripe grapes at
this moment ; and then I felt how foolish I
had been to leave the beautiful and quiet
earth, to trust myself to the heaving, unstable
sea ! I resolved, if ever I got back again to
France, to content myself with such happiness
as she could afford me.

But trouble cannot last for ever, and so
my sickness and nausea came to an end be-

1 6 Adventures in Nezv Guinea.

fore we reached Liverpool, wliicli we were
seven days in doing. And when I got about
on the deck, climbing the masts, and helping
to pull the ropes, I began again to like the
idea of being a sailor. Still I was glad when
Liverpool was reached, and when we drew
np by the side of the long wharf to change
our cargo I worked hard to help, for I felt I
ought to do all I could for the kind friend
who had taken me on board.

Philip worked better than I did, and was
more useful. He was stronger, and began
to look fat and be amusing to the men, with
whom he was a great favourite. He was,
however, always my friend, and ready to help
me or to defend me.

Sometimes he and I were allowed to walk
in the strange English city, among the
crowds of people, and we were much
astonished by all that we saw. One day we
walked a long way, nntil we came to the
country, where there were many trees, and
crowds of people dressed so well, and rich
carriages, and beautiful horses, and there
was gay music playing. The men and women,
or ladies and gentlemen, as Philip called
them, were so happy as they laughed and
talked. One young lady looked at us, and
I saw a look of pity pass into her face. She

Adventures in New Guinea. 1 7

touched tlie arm of the old gentleman who
was seated near her, and he too glanced at
us. I felt ashamed that we were so poor,
for our clothes did not fit us ; they had been
given to us by the sailors, and had been cut
down to our size. The young lady was like
an angel, so sweet was her smile of pity. I
could have gazed for ever on her face, but
Philip drew me away, and soon we began to
return on our route to the ship, I feeling
very sad to think that I was shut out from all
this world that I saw now for the first time.

"We could not understand the people, but
sometimes they spoke to us and pointed after
as — the baser sort, I mean, the gamins of
that great city. Still we took no notice, for
we did not understand the words they used,
although we knew they were not complimen-
tary to Philip and myself.

I did not get strong, even after the lapse
of some weeks, and often had a violent pain
in my head. This was a new experience for
me, for I had always been a healthy boy
when at home. This pain continued for
some days, which caused me great sorrow,
as I felt I was not doino- enous^h work for
our kind friend the mate. The ship was
nearly full, and was getting ready to sail,
this time for America.

0

1 8 Adventures in New Guinea.

One day I had felt worse than ever, and
was very weak. Phihp and I walked in the
street not far from the ship, for I could not
w^alk very far, and as we walked I felt a
strange sensation come over me, and then T
fell to the ground. When I came to myself
I was in a large room, very clean and nice-
looking, and was lying on a little bed. The
large room was full of similar beds, on which
were lying sick people. Tliiswas a hospital.
I did not know this at once, for I could not
understand what the nurse said to me ; and
Philip was not with me. Soon a gentleman,
w" ell-dressed and quick in his manner, entered
the room. This was the doctor. He came
at once to my bed. After speaking to the
nurse he turned to me and said in my own
language, —

" Well, my little man, what is the matter
with you?"

I replied by telling him what befell me
in the street.

After examining my pulse and tongue, he
Slid, —

" You will not be able to go in your ship
this voyage, my boy ; you have a touch of
fever upon you, and you must stay where
you are for some weeks at least."

Soon after this I slept, and when I awoke

Adventures in Neiv GuDua. 19

Philip and tlie mate were by my side. They
had seen the doctor, who had told them
about my fever, so they said, — " We shan't
see you for a long time, Louis, as we are
going to sail in two days to America. But
keep a look out for the Ville dio Havre on
her return, and ^'e will then take you with
us." So we shook hands, Philip kissing me
as they went away. I was sorry, yet I was
too ill to think much just now.

Many days passed — some weeks, I think — •
before I began to get better, and during all
the time I was carefully tended by the doctor
and the nurse. When I was getting better
there came one day into the room a young
lady. She came to visit the sick and to read
to them. I thought her face was not strange
to me, and when she came to my bed and
smiled on me I recognized her again. It
was the young lady I had seen in the ceme-
tery. She spoke to me in English, and on
my replying in French that I did not under-
stand, she immediately answered me in my
own tongue.

" You have been very ill, my poor boy ! "
she said, laying her hand on my hot
head.

*' Yes, mademoiselle," I replied ; " of fever,
but I am better now, thank the saints."
c 2

20 Adventures in New Guinea.

She looked at me wlien I said this, very
earnestly and pityingly, and said, " I am
glad you are thankful that Grod is making
you well. It is He who has been so good to
you. Try and thank Him in your heart.
Would you like me to read to you something
about Him ? "

" Yes, yes, mademoiselle ; my father used
to tell me about Him before he died. But I
have not heard about the good God since
that sad event."

Without saying more the young lady
opened a little book which she carried in her
hand and read. It told about Jesus re-
ceiving sinners and eating with them, and
then about a man losing one sheep in the
wilderness, next of the woman who lost a
piece of money, and last of the two sons,
one of whom went into a far country. This,
I thought, was like myself running away
from my mother ; and when she read of the
good father seeing his son while he was yet
a long way off, and being glad at his coming
back, I thought of my kind mother watching
for me — ready to welcome me home again,
and I wept. The kind lady, who had ex-
plained all this story to me in French, asked
me about my mother, and I told her all my
story. After asking me where my mother

AdvenUires in Neiv Guinea. 21

lived, she took her leave, promising to come
and see me again.

Three dajs after the young lady came
again, bringing me a beautiful book with
pictures in it. The book was in French —
the " Pilgrim's Progress " — but, alas ! I
could not read it, I could only read the little
words, so she read some of the story to me,
and left the book for me that I might look at
the pictures.

Through all the kindness I received I soon
got well, and was able to sit up, and then to
get out into the air. The doctor told me I
should be able to leave the hospital in a week
or two, but that I could not do any heavy
work, as I was not strong. On my telling
this to the kind lady, she asked me where I
thought of going. I said. I did not know,
but I would inquire so soon as I had left the
good hospital. Next time she came the old
gentleman her father was with her, and,
after questioning me, he said, "As you are
ready to leave the hospital, Louis, I will
take you into my service until you are
strong, so you can come with me to-day, if
you like."

I jumped at this kind offer, and expressed
my readiness to go with him and the young
lady at once. So I was soon, after thanking

22 Adventures in New Guinea,

tlie good doctor and the nurse for tlicir
kindness to me, on tlie box-seat of tbe
gentleman's carriage. As the gentleman had
provided me with a suit of clothes, clean and
well-fitting, I did not feel ashamed of my
dress, yet I felt ashamed to sit beside the
man who drove the carriage. He was so
fine, yet he was good to me, although I did
not understand his words.

After I had been at Mr. Cunningham's for
a few weeks, a letter came from my mother
in reply to one which Miss Cunningham had
written to her. My mother was glad to
learn that I had fallen among kind friends,
and begged me to communicate with her.

AYith the assistance of my mistress, I sent
a letter to my mother, asking her pardon and
blessing. After the lapse of many weeks
another letter came, conveying the forgive-
ness whichi sought, and giving me permission
to remain where I was.

I was very happy in the service of Mr.
Cunningham, and remained with him four
years. During this time I made progress in
reading and writing the English language,
as well as in speaking it. His daughter, my
first kind friend, allowed me to be taken to
the English church, where I was charmed by
the fact that I could understand every word

Advent2U'cs in New Guinea. 23

of the prayers, aucl could liear tbe words of
the holy God in English (for I had now
learned to speak EngHsli). I became a Pro-
testant, a step which I have never since
regretted, for I have thus been taught to de-
pend more upon my conscience than upon the
minister for guidance, and this self-direction
promotes a sense of responsibility which in-
duces one to read and think for oneself.
The habit of doing so has been most valuable
to me in my wandering life, and although I
have doubtless fallen into many errors, yet I
have also been saved from perpetrating
many serious offences which I should have
committed had I not learned to interrogate
my conscience in respect of all my duties.

Four years passed away, and I never saw
anything of Philip. For once, when the
Ville du Havre came to Liverpool, I was
away in the country, whither the family had
gone for a change. Great was my disap-
pointment when I heard that the ship had
been in, and that Philip had been to Mr.
Cunningham's house inquiring for me. He
left word that the Villo dio Havre was
going to Australia, and might not be back
in port for two years. In spite of my great
disappointment in missing my old friend,
I was very happy in my present service, and

24 Adventw'cs in Nciv Guinea.

sliould have remained there had it not been
for a great calamity which befell my master.
Miss Harriette, for that was the young lady's
name, was always delicate, and this rendered
her susceptible of any sickness that was in-
fectious. After I had been the time I have
mentioned in her father's service, she caught
an infectious disease, and, in spite of all the
efforts of the many skilful medical men who
were called in to attend on her, she died.
I felt the blow very greatly, the more so as
she was not conscious when she died, and
had not been so for several days before the
sad event, and could not therefore bid us
good-bye. Ah ! dearest and best of niy
earliest friends, I have never ceased to think
of thee and to lament thy early death ! For
although thou wert exalted far beyond my
lowly station, yet thy sympathy, which was
as an angel's, bridged over that gulf which
had been otherwise impassable.

Farewell ! thou art now in the bosom of
the Jesus thou didst love, and of whom thou
didst speak to thy fallen brother. Farewell,
dear Miss Harriette !

The death of Miss Harriette led to many
changes, for she was an only child, and
although I could have remained in the ser-
vice of Mr. Cunningham, yet I was now

Adventures in New Gtnnea. 25

anxious to gefc away from the scenes which
continually reminded me of my late beloved
mistress. Again the old longing for a sea
life awoke in me, and I read eagerly every
book I came across which related to sea-life,
and had my imagination fired with the idea
of foreign travels. I thought constantly of
Philip, and wondered if I should ever meet
him again, picturing his surprise and delight
if I should meet him in some distant part of
the world.

With such thoughts I often walked upon
the wharf and took a deep interest in the
shipping. One afternoon, as I was thus em-
ployed, I came to a ship which was just
being berthed, and I stood by to watch the
warping operation. Her stern, with name
clear and distinct, came round just where I
stood, and I read with surprise and delight
the words Vdle du Havre. Immediately I
went on board, and, walking straight to a
fine young man who stood upon the poop,
directing the operation, said, " Philip, my
friend."

The young man stared for a moment, and
then said, "You are mistaken, sir; my
name is Philip, but you are a stranger to
me."

*' Philip, mon ami, dost thou not remem-

26 Adventures in Neiv Gtdnea,

bar Louis?" I exclaimed, speaking to liim
in Frencli.

Looking eagerly at ms again, lie imme-
diately replied, embracing me, —

" Yes, yes, men bon Louis ; but how much
thou art altered ! Thou art a gentleman,
and see," he said proudly, "I am the second
mate of the Ville du Havre. Come to my
cabin, Louis."

Need I say that, with my present feelings,
sad at the loss of my late dear mistress,
and full of cravings for adventures, I
shipped on board Philip's vessel when she
was ready to sail, confident, though I was
only a sailor before the mast, yet that Philip
would treat me as his old friend, and smooth
away, as far as possible, the difference that
lay between an officer and a common sailor ?
The ship was bound to Australia, where she
had been for the last three years, for she was
now the property of her captain and first
mate, who were their own agents and
directors.

Adventures in Neiv Gtiinea. 27

CHAPTER in.

As I CO aid write a good band I was occa-
sionally required to make entries in tlie log-
book. This gave me a taste for the kind of
entries which, appear in such, nautical diaries,
so I started one on my own account, and
have since, with more or less of intermission,
kept up the practice of writing down the
principal incidents of my life. A few ex-
tracts from my own log-book will show the
reader the character of our outward voyage.
" Od, 19.— Left the Bay of Biscay, after
tumbling about in it for seven days, during
the whole of which I was very sick, often
wishing myself back with good Mr. Cun-
ningham. Could not imagine what tempted
me to leave the comfort of shiore-life for the
sea. Now, however, that I am getting
well, and that we have a bright sun and a
clear sky, with a fresh wind abaft, I begin
to oDJoy tbe sea. The motion is pleasant,
and it amuses me to watch the sea-birds
sailing along to outstrip the VilU du

28 Adventures in Neiv Guinea.

" Oct. 22.— Still a fair wind. The man at
the mast-head sung out early this morning,
' Sail ho/ and, looking to leeward, saw the
white sail of a vessel crossing our course.
Made her out a barque-rigged ship. In a
couple of hours, as she was directly on our
course, we hailed her. She proved to be
the New Jersey, bound for London."

" Nov. 3. — We are now in the tropics, and
the weather is insufferable during the day,
although it is sometimes pleasanter at night.
We lay becalmed for several days, and as
there was a large ship in the same condition
a few miles off, we obtained the captain's
permission to visit her. She was the Clyde,
from Melbourne, homeward bound, with a
cargo of wool and gold. Hearing that she
was a gold ship, I made inquiries as to where
and how the gold was obtained, and learned
that there were ' diggings ' in Australia,
where men congregated in large numbers to
gather the precious metal. In the afternoon
several of the men had a bathe, one of them
swimming a long way from the ship. Shortly
after his return to the vessel a large shark
was seen to swim round her — a narrow
escape for the Swede."

^^ Nov. 30. — Nearing the Cape; weather
terribly cold, and coming in icy, cutting

Adventures in New Guinea. 29

squalls from the south. Ship pitching and
tossing very much — feel sick again."

" Dec. 2. — Yesterday we saw several tall
peaks, which Philip told me were icebergs.
They glittered when the rays of the sun
fell on them once or twice. Cold still con-
tinues, and the waves very heavy."

"Dec. 3. — Last night a heavy sea struck
the ship, and tons of water came aboard. I
thought she had struck on a reef, for she
trembled through every timber. The water
poured down the open hatchway and drenched
us. On reaching the deck, a wild scene pre-
sented itself. We were driving along over a
stormy sea, which rose and fell fearfully, the
ship bobbing up and down like a piece of
cork on its surface. Two men were at
the wheel, which required all their united
strength to direct it. A full moon, occa-
sionally hidden by the angry-looking clouds,
showed us the state of the sea around us.
It was a fearful sight ; yet no one seemed to
be afraid, everything went on as calmly as if
we had a fair wind. After contemplating
the scene for a time, the cold drove me back
again to bed, although I did not sleep. To-
day the sea has subsided, and we are going
under easy canvas."

*' Dec. 30. — Philip says we shall soon reach

30 Adventures in New Guinea*

Melbourne; that we Lave liad a quick
passage. We liave passed several sliips to-
day. The roadway is thronged with passen-
gers, as Philip said, because we are nearing
the city. ]ndeed I hope so. It was quite
hot to-day."

^'^ Jan. 5. — ^ Land ho' early this morning.
The captain was anxious to give King's
Island a wide berth, several ships having
been lost in that locality lately. We soon
gained on the land, which had been seen
from the mast-head, and passed it on our
starboard. It was a rocky islet. With the
help of the glass we saw several seals lying
upon it, sunning themselves. We shall be
at the 'Heads' by night, Philip says, and
shall lie off until morning."

After the entry last quoted we entered the
narrow mouth of Hobson's Bay under the
guidance of a pilot, who came off to us in a
little schooner, and took charge of the
vessel. After entering the " Heads " we
passed into a large bay, almost an inland sea,
for we lost sight of the land again. A few
hours, however, brought us in sight of the
forest of spars which showed us the direction
of the town, for beyond these were Mel-
bourne and its suburbs. A berth at the
Sandridge Pier was vacant, so wo were laid

Adventures hi Neiv Guinea. 3 1

up alongside by two o'clock, glad to find
ourselves safe in port. The lieat was ter-
rible ; the atmosphere like the breath of an
oven. Everybody looked done up, and moved
about with lazy steps. However, here I was
at last, on the other side of the world, sur-
prised to find so large and fine a city where,
only a few years ago, there was nothing but
aboriginal Mia-Mias and kangaroo.

32 Adventures in New Guinea.

CHAPTER IV.

Before we sailed again, Philip and myself,
with another sailor, got permission to go up
to the gold-field town, Ballarat. We went
up by train, and arrived about four o'clock in
the afternoon. Here we saw holes hundreds
of feet deep, out of which the precious gold
was dug. These were quartz mines, and the
gold was separated from the stones by heavy
stampers, which could be heard beating the
stones half a mile off. The gold was after-
wards collected by means of quicksilver with,
which it was mixed, — being then called
Amalgam. The manager of one of the mines
showed us several bars of amalgam weighing
over three hundred pounds, one half of this
being gold; and this was obtained in one
week. The place where it was obtained was
called Poverty Reef, by way of pleasant
satire, I suppose; although one of the men
told us that the claim had been worked for
years before any gold had been obtained
from it.

After seeing these deep mines, we were

Adventures in New Guinea. 33

taken to another gold-field about twelve miles
off, and here the holes were not so deep, — not
more than twenty feet. Here too the gold was
found in the earth, not mixed with the quartz,
and it was separated from the earth by being
first "puddled" in a tub and then rocked in
a cradle, while a plentiful supply of water
was poured over the soil which was being
sifted in the cradle. The fine gold was thus
carried into the last compartment mixed with
the finest earth. This golden sand, for such it
looked, was then put into a dish and mixed with
water, shaken carefully until the water, which
was continually poured off, had carried every
particle of the sand away, and nothing but
the yellow gold remained in the bottom of the
dish. There was a pound weight of gold in
the dish which was shown to us after watch-
ing the various operations which I have de-
scribed. This was worth about 50Z., and was
dug out by three men in less than a week.

After seeing these things, I often thought
I should like to be a dig'^er.

On our return from the diggings, we found
the ship was almost ready to sail. This time
she was chartered to the Chinese ports.

And thus for fully three years, Philip and
I sailed together in the Y'dle dii Ilavre^
visiting all the ports in the southern hemi-

D

34 Adventures in Neiv G^dnea.

sphere. At the end of this period he became
first mate, as the captain had retired, going
home to France to settle, leaving his former
first mate in command of his vessel. I too
had been promoted, through Philip's influence,
to the poop, and was called third mate, being
now twenty years old, and a good sailor, so
they were kind enough to say.

At this time a little difference arose between
Philip and myself which caused a separation
between us for a time. He knew that I had
become a Protestant, yet the fact had never
occasioned any difference between us, for the
change did not show itself in anything that I
did; sailors have such few opportunities of
being religious, and of knowing the difference
which religions make among men ! When
any minister came on board to speak to us
we all listened to him without asking whether
he was Protestant or Catholic, and so it was
that any change of religion did not affect the
friendship of Philip and myself, until the
occasion to which I now refer arose.

We had been lying in Hobson's Bay for a
long time idle, for this was the dull season,
and I had been allowed ashore a good deal.
On the occasion of one of these holidays I
consented to become a mason, and was ad-
mitted into the English Constitution. On

Adventures in Nciu Guinea. 35

rny going on board again, I told Philip Avliat
I had done. Ho became angry, and said that
the Catholic Church had forbidden me to
become a mason.

(Philip was now more attentive to religion
than he had formerly been.)

" But I do not belong to the Catholic
Church, Philip. I am a Protestant, and can
do as I like."

"But, Louis," he cried out angrily, "you
liave no right to leave the Church of your
fathers, in which you were born and baptized !
Dost thou not remember the little cemetery
where thy father sleeps ? Wouldst thou not
be laid with him when thou diest?"

" My father was not a Catholic except in
name, and at any rate I am now a Protestant,
and intend to live and die in that faith. I am
also a mason, and do not care what the priests,
who are no better than ourselves, say igno-
rantly against the masons. They tell lies
about them, I know; for all masons believe
in God, and must believe in Hioa. Yet the
priests say that the masons are atheists."

This made Philip more angry, and I do
not care to write down all that my friend
said to me.

j^.t last I replied, "I will leave you, Philip ; I
will not stay to be spoken to in this manner."
D 2

36 AdventtLves in New Giiinea.

And so I got my discharge from t"he
Ville dii Havre, and started for the dig-
gings.

Soon after I had arrived at the diggings
)3eyond Ballarat, where we had seen the men
washing out the pound of gold, I saw by the
pajDers that the Ville du Havre had sailed
for New Caledonia, and would probably go
into California before she returned to the
Melbourne port.

At this I felt sad, and wished that I was
with my Philip again.

Yet I would not give up being a mason,
but resolved to attend all their meetings,
that I might learn as much as I could about
their principles.

The diggings to which I had come were
altered for the worse. The gold supply was
exhausted, and the diggers looked poor.
Many of them were glad to work whole days
for a few specks of the bright m.etal. So I
did not stay long in this place, but moved
away to a new diggings, where a great many
miners were assembling. This place was
called a " rush," and at first a good deal of
gold was obtained by those who were for-
tunate enough to get " claims " on the
"lead." But others who were not on the
" line of gold " worked to no purpose week

Adventures in Nciv Guinea, ^y

after week. It was very tantalizing to
see men in tlie next hole getting gold in
great quantities, washing it out of their
tubs in pounds, and then to work and
drive in your own hole, only a few feet
away, and yet get nothing for all your
pains.

At last I gave up digging and went back
to Ballarat. Here, after much trouble, I got
a situation as groom in a gentleman's house-
hold. And this place I got because I was a
mason, for my master belonged to that order.
Here I remained for more than six months.
One day I saw by the papers that the Vllle
du Havre had arrived under the command
of Philip E,igaud. The former captain was
ill. How my heart jumped, and 1 resolved
to go and see my old friend again ; for all
the anger had died out of my heart so soon
as I had reached the diggings. I was to stay
with my master for another week, and then I
could leave. Well, before the week was up I
was ridiug one of my master's horses in the
principal street, when I saw a captain (we
sailors can tell a captain by his dress and
manner) driving in a cab from the railway
station. I looked at him a second time, and
saw that it was Philip. I rode after him and
called ont. He at once stopped his cab and

33 Advenhires in Nciv Giu'iica,

got down, for lie knew mo. " I was coming
to look for thee, Louis," were the first words
he spoke, and regardless of by-standers, he
embraced me, for I had jumped off my horse.
*' My heart has been sore since we parted,
Louis, for I was wrong to speak to thee as I
did about thy religion. Thou wilt forgive
me?" It w^as my time to ask forgiveness
for my hasty temper and hot words. And so
we were reconciled. "Thou mayest remain
a mason, and I will become one too, so long
as I do not lose my friend." I returned with
Philip to the Ville du Havre, and was installed
as second mate, for the former second mate
had left.

And now I was liappy again, and deter-
mined to stick to the sea. It had been
resolved to send the Ville du Havre on an
adventurous voyage to New Gruinea, for
there was at this time much talk about that
island. Philip was to command, for the
former captain had resolved to settle in
Melbourne, and I was to go as second mate.
AVe were all in high spirits at the prospect
of our voyage, for although there was some
amount of danger, yet only enough to make
our voyage adventurous, and we knew that
we should have opportunities of making much
money in trading with the natives. At the

Adventures in New Guinea. 39

same time our pay was increased by the
owners of the vessel, who did not forbid
our taking little fancy things for trading
purposes.

40 Adventures in Neiv Guinea,

CHAPTER y.

As the step I was now taking was so full of
strange consequences to myself, I like to
dwell upon every event connected with it.
I had, while Miss Cunningham lived, written
to my mother very frequently, and had heard
occasionally from her. But since my life in
the southern world I had failed to write to
her more than a few letters. It had been
my custom, which I owed to the influence
of my mistress, to send a few pounds every
year to my mother. I had even done this
since leaving Europe, and now that I was
embarking upon what I could not help feel-
ing was a perilous voyage, I wrote to my
mother a long letter, telling her where I w^as
going, and enclosing her 5/. In common
with the other sailors, I took with me some
rolls of bright-coloured stuffs, some tobacco
and pipes, bright pieces of metal, some
whistles, and other fancy things (including
even dolls) which I thought would be useful
in bartering with the savages. I took also

,■■■■<.

Adventures in New Guinea. 4 1

some picture-books, among which was the
" Pilgrim's Progress," given me years ago
by Miss Cunningham.

Late in the month of March we cleared
the " Heads " on onr adventurous expedition.
As it was our intention to round South-East
Cape, thinking we might open out a trade
with the inhabitants of the Archipelago with
greater safety than with those of the main-
land, we hugged the Australian coast until
we reached Morton Bay. We then ran due
north for several days, but had baffling
winds. The barometer began to fall rapidly;
a change in the weather was evident. At
first we thought we had escaped the equi-
noctial gales; but the falling of the barometer
warned us that we had not done so. As we
had still nearly six hundred miles to run, and
were anxious not to lose time, we kept on
under light canvas all the night following;
but maintained a smart look-out. Next day
the storm broke upon us, and compelled us
to lay-to, after trying to run with close-reefed
topsails. This storm tried us severely, heavy
masses of water came tumbling on board,
sweeping the decks fore and aft, and carry-
ing off our live stock. During the day we
were exceedingly anxious, and as night
approached our anxiety increased ; for the

42 AdventiLves in Nciv G^iinea.

violen3e of the wind was so great that we
were perfectly helpless, lying like a log npon
the water, which continned to make breaches
over us. We all wished earnestly for the
day, and when the light came the wind began
to subside, so that we were now in hopes of
our being able to weather the storm. Before
night the water had become comparatively
calm, and we began to overhaul our ship,
which presented a pitiable sight. The bul-
warks were smashed, the stanchions of the
main cabin wrenched, and the captain's cabin
broken up. The good old ship had borne up
well, but she had received a severe handling.
Another sucli storm would finish her. It
was now debated whether we should return
to Morton Bay and repair, or whether we
should continue on our voyage after giving
the vessel a slight overhaul with such ap-
pliances as we had. We determined on the
latter course, as we were only five hundred
miles from South-East Cape, and were all
enthusiastic about our destination. I think
now it would have been better if we had
returned, but at that time I was — like the
others — too eager to reach New Guinea to
allow of the whisperings of common sense.

So all hands set to work vigorously, and
in a couple of days the YiUe du ITavre

Adventures in Nciv Guinea. 43

looked like herself again. On tlie fourth day
Ave were nnder sail for the Archipelago, all
sanguine and hopeful. I forgot to say that
one of our three boats had been smashed and
carried away in the storm. Yet the two that
remained were but little injured, and were
soon repaired. Our glass warned us that the
weather was still unsettled.

In three days we sighted a high range of
mountains, which we made out to be the
Owen-Staoley Mountains, running north and
south from South-East Cape. This showed
us that we were too much to the west to
reach the Archipelago on the eastern side of
the island, so we corrected our bearings, and
made ourselves snug for the night. The
weather looked dirty, and the glass began to
fall rapidly; as the wind was from the south,
and we had plenty of sea-room, and could,
with such a wind, make a good offing at any
time, we kept on our course under light can-
vas, expecting by morning to be within twenty
miles of the Cape. The wind increased to a
gale and blew all night without intermission.
When morning broke there was a heavy sea
on, the Avind still rising. We were, more-
over, close upon several of the islets of the
Archipelago. Tliis determined us to get
away from the coast, so we put the helm up,

44 Adventures in New Grtinea.

and, turning our head east-nortH-east, stood
away. We had not held on our new course
more than an hour when the wind died away,
only to begin again with renewed yiolence
from the sou'-sou'-west. We were in a posi-
tion of extreme danger, for the Vllle dit
Havre had been greatly shaken by the
former gale; her masts, we now found, had
yielded to the severe strains which had been
put on them, so we kept beating off and on
all the day; but we could not get clear of
the coast, the hurricane was too violent. I
watched Philip's anxious face, and knew that
our case was desperate unless the wind should
change. Night fell, but no change came, and
I now felt that our position was hopeless, for
we were drifting shoreward, and had been so
drifting during the day. We could see,
before night fell in upon us, broken water
not more than two or three miles from us.
When the day closed I do not think there
was a single man who expected to see the
light of another day. Still we took some
refreshment and stood to our posts, not
knowing what chances might arise on our
behalf. The dark waves rolled in upon the
ship, washing our decks clean, and driving
us all to shelter from the pitiless cold. The
wind howled and whistled through the rig-

Adventures m New Guinea. 45

ging, the ship creaked and groaned like a
wounded creature, and trembled under tbe
blows dealt by the lieavy waves. I bad never
experienced such a storm. At this time tbo
awful cry, so terrible to a sailor's ears, arose
above the din of tlie elements, " Breakers on
the port-bow ! " We were driving helplessly
on to the rocks, which were ready to engulf
us. To think of anchoring was useless ; yet,
as a last resource, we determined to try our
anchors. Just as we were making ready, the
wind began to lull ; there was evidently and
markedly a change. Philip now resolved to
wear the ship, and gave orders to bring her
about. We all sprang to our posts with
renewed hope in our breasts. The ship,
slowly answering to her helm, came round.
It was a perilous undertaking, for we could
see, even in the darkness, the white surf
seething and rushing over the hidden reef.
We had passed the point of danger, and
began to breathe more freely, and to con-
gratulate ourselves on our narrow escape,
when a terrible shock sent the masts over
the starboard, killing the first mate, and
casting us all sprawling upon the deck. She
had struck on another reef, and was fast
embedded on the rock. Now a wild scene
began. The boats were safe and ready for

46 Adventures in New Guinea.

use, Laving a supply of food in tliem. As
the sea was sweeping over tlie YIUq da
Havre threatening to swallow her up every
moment, Philip resolved to launch the boats
at once. The wind was certainly moderating,
3^et the sea was running mountains high. lb
required all the skill of our most experienced
seamen, exercised under Philip's guidance, to
launch our boats safely ; yet this was accom-
plished, and they rode nobly on the wild water.
As it was impossible that the ship could hold
together for long, no time was lost in trans-
ferring the crew to the little boats, which
rode so bravely on the water. They looked
so small, and yet they were safer than the
great ship, whicli thumped heavily every now
and then on the rocks. Philip came, and,
embracing me, said, " Farewell, Louis, my
companion and friend ; may the good God
keep thee in safety. We may never meet
again in this world, for I must command the
one and thou the other boat. I wish thou
couldst come with me, but duty separates us,
my friend. Farewell ;" and, kissing each
other, we parted.

Philip's men were impatient, for they were
ready to cast ofiP, and as he lowered himself
into the boat they cast off, the rope and were
swept by the returning wave fully thirty feet

Adventures in New Guinea. 47

from the ship. At the same instant a huge
wave, all muffled in foam, came roaring and
tumlihng, and broke over the ship. We held
on for dear hfe. When the water cleared
Philip's boat was gone ; swallowed up by the
devouring sea. Our boat, too, was swept
away; we were left to the mercy of the
crazy hull which alone stood between us and
death.

Alas, Philip, companion of my youth, and
friend of my manhood ! Alas, for thee ! I
shall see thee not again. My heart is sad,
and my tears flow for thee. Soon shall I be
with thee.

Such were my thoughts as I stood upon
the groaning deck of the Vllh dii Havre.

The wind continued to fall rapidly. The
ship, too, remained in her position. We
might be safe till day broke. So at least we
hoped. Five of us thus waited anxiously for
the light of the day, and, as the sea subsided,
began to wait hopefully. After all, we might
escape. We certainly encouraged one another
with the hope of escaping the fate of our
companions,

a.8 Advenhires in New Guiitea,

CHAPTER VI.

The sun rose brilliantly over a heaving ocean.
Altliougli tlie wind was down, yet the sea
still heaved and swelled, and its waves rolled
in upon the shore with a deafening sound.
The white spray almost hid the shore from
our view, which was about one mile distant.
A small island lay some half-mile nearer to
us, and it was from this elevation that the
sunken rocks on which we had struck sprang.
As the ship, although at present giving us
good support, was evidently breaking up, we
who remained at once began to make prepa-
rations for constructing a raft. About mid-
day we were ready, and were busy lading our
raft with various necessaries, when there
came upon us suddenly several canoes full of
savages, and before we could offer any re-
sistance a score of them, armed with spears,
clubs, bows, and arrows, were on board.
"We thought it better to surrender at dis-
cretion, and were, on doing so, transferred
to the canoe of one who seemed to be a chief

Adventures in New Guinea. 49

—a tall, black-looking negro, with hair like
a mop all over his head. He was a most
repulsive-looking savage. After ransacking
the ship, they took the raft in tow and made
for the shore. Other canoes were to be seen
coming on rapidly, their crews shouting and
gesticulating like maniacs. When they saw
the five white men in their chief's canoe their
astonishment was unbounded. Our party
kept away to the north-west, and so avoided
the high cliffs which we had seen from the
ship. In about half an hour the chief's boat
approached the mouth of a small bay which
discovered itself suddenly. As we turned
into this bay, I well remember how the scene
which rose before us awakened within me,
even in my present condition, feelings of
admiration. The bay upon the south was
sheltered by high hills, which sloped down to
the water and were clothed thickly with
timber. The western side of the bay rose
gently, and spread inland in a succession of
terraces. To the north the same characteristic
was observable, and as the country was less
thickly timbered in this direction, I could see
herds of wild beasts seeking their food in the
forests. The smoke arose from many places
into the clear atmosphere. ^ The bay itself
was placid as a mill-pond, and shone like a

E

50 Adveniitres in New Guinea.

mirror under tlie liglit of the sun, wliicli was
very hot. As we drew near to the shore,
crowds of natives, entirely naked, ran along
the beach, ready to help us to land and un-
load. The reader may be sure that we were
in a state of great anxiety as to our fate, and
sought to divine it from the faces of those
around us. We had heard diverse accounts
of the inhabitants of this island ; some said
that they were a warlike people, but capable
of great generosity ; others that they were
unmitigated savages, even cannibals. With
the last thought in our minds, we scanned
every indication with deepest interest. Of
course we could not know the meaning of a
word that was said to us, yet we made our
captors understand that we were hungry, at
which some food was given us — yams, dates,
and some flesh, I do not know of what kind.
As the canoes were coming and going between
the ship and the bay all the remainder of the
day, we were handed over to the care of the
women and older men, who kept guard over
us and exercised their curiosity to an un-
limited extent at our expense. The natives
displayed great shrewdness in their attacks
vipon the ship's cargo, for they worked in-
cessantly, knowing that at any moment she
might disappear; and as a fact I learned

Adventtires in Nezo Guinea. 51

afterwards, towards evening, when lier balance
had been disturbed bj the shifting of the
cargo, she suddenly careened over, and,
shpping off the reef, sank in deep water, so
that not a vestige of her could be seen. So
suddenly had this occurred, that no warning
was given to the numerous savages at work
in her hold, many of whom were carried
down in the Y'dle du Havre. A good
many of these scrambled out of their watery
prison, and, floating to the top like corks,
were hauled on board the canoes of their
astonished companions. Several, however,
were drowned in the hold of the ship. I did
not learn this for some months after it all
occurred.

When night came, we were carefully con-
fined in an empty house, consisting of two
storeys, and built very neatly of wood, our
hands and feet being tied to prevent us
making our escape ; and so we passed a
miserable night, not knowing what would
befall us in the morning. At sunrise several
of our captors, who had slept on the
ground floor (we were on the second floor),
came up to see if we were safe. We made
signs to them that the rope, formed from the
bark of a tree, hurt us, and made them under-
stand that we wished to be free. In a little
E 2

52 Adventures in Neiv Gtnnea.

while, tlie chief who had captured us was
brought, and, on his giving directions to his
men, our bonds were cut and we were set
free. Some breakfast was brought, and we
were encouraged to eat heartily. Our food
consisted of fish and yams, with a pleasant
drink, made, I afterwards learnt, from the
leaves of a tall tree. Its taste was pungent
and appetizing. In a little while we slept
again, for some opiate had been put into our
beverage to bring about this result. On our
recovering consciousness, the sun was in the
mid-heavens, and we were in a large paddock
(I cannot call it by any other name), perfectly
naked. We had been robbed of every vestige
of clothing. A numerous crowd of savages,
men, women, and children, surrounded the
palisading, expressing by their gestures the
astonishment, admiration, or dislike which
affected the different members of the crowd.
When it was seen that we were awake, some
more food was brought to us, and although
we did not then care to eat, yet before the
day closed we were glad enough to satisfy
the sharp cravings of hunger. At night we
were allowed to shelter ourselves in one of
the recesses of the yard, where a plentiful
supply of rushes was thrown to us, just as if
we were so many pigs. This treatment con-

Adventures in Nezv Guinea. 53

tinued for about a week, and every day a
crowd of idlers gathered about our prison to
amuse tliemselves at our expense. They
seemed to be biglily amazed by our colour
and general appearance, and tried to enter
into conversation with us. This enabled us
to learn a few words of their language. On
our pointing to the sun, and showing that
we would know its name, they turned their
heads away, and putting up their hands in
deprecation, said, *' Otaroo." This, I after-
wards learned, was living one, or great king,
emphatically the living one.

As we were not molested in any other way
than the manner which I have described, we
began to feel at our ease, and to accept our
position with cheerfulness. We ate heartily,
and dismissed all concern from our minds.
When our captors saw this they were evidently
pleased, for they brought us a plentiful supply
of food and gave us plenty of eu to drink.
This, as I have said, was very appetizing,
and we always ate heartily after drinking
it.

At the end of a week we noticed that there
were great shoutings every few hours, and,
consequent upon these noises, a large increase
to the crowd of watchers. This night a great
noise of drums was kept up, and as soon as

54 Adventures in New Guinea.

the day broke and the light streamed in upon
our faces we found ourselves again tied hand
and foot, and a guard of savages about us.
They were all well armed, and had sharp flint
knives. I did not like the look of our captors,
and cried out to my fellow-prisoners that we
were all dead men. They carried us with tlie
greatest ease to a large open space, around
which the whole population of the place was
gathered. Here we were surrounded by at
least a hundred armed men. A great fire
was burning in the open air, which was tended
by half-a-dozen stalwart savages, naked.
Five large stone slabs were placed over the
fire, and, judging from appearances, were as
hot as the floor of an oven. Our hearts sank
within us as we saw these preparations. We
remembered all the stories of cannibalism we
had heard, and felt that such would be our
fate. A repulsive-looking man, wearing an
apron of hemp (he was the priest, it appeared),
came forward and examined us very carefully.
He was watched intently by our guards, who
were ready to obey his least wish. By his
direction we were arranged in a line, according
to some order ; a very fat sailor, named
Blewitt, on the left, I was on the extreme
right. When this ceremony was finished the
old mnn'a nssistunts, three in number, simi-

Adventures in New Gninea. 55

larly attired, only in shorter aprons, stepped
forward, and began to sing or cbant some
strange words. At tlie chorus, which was
taken up by the crowd, accompanied by the
beating of drums, two of the most powerful
of our guards seized poor Blewitt, and,
dragging him forward, threw him upon the
heated slab, at the same time striking him on
the head with a club, which rendered him
unconscious. Again the chant began, and
again, at the chorus, a second of my poor
mates was despatched in the same way as the
former sailor was destroyed. By the time
the ceremony had reached myself I was in a
kind of stupor, and was hardly conscious of
my movements. As the first strains of the
chorus arose, I put my hands up instinctively
to protect my head, and in a moment after
felt my hand grasped by the old priest. I was
conscious that he had given me the first
masonic grip. Immediate^ I replied, and
was answered again by him. Coming forward,
the old priest cut the rope with which my
hands and feet were bound, and, turning
himself to the crowd of astonished gazers,
addressed them, pointing now at myself, now
at the sun, and using the word *' Otaroo."
Whenever this word was pronounced the
whole crowd turned away their heads, and,

56 Adventures in New Guinea.

putting out their hands, cried, in a subdued
voice, " Otaroo ! "

I was free, and was now invited to take a
seat by the priest's side, and wait for my
share of the horrible repast. The latter part
of the invitation I declined, while accepting
the former from motives of policy. I was
thus constrained to sit by while the remains
of my unfortunate companions were served
round by the filthy cooks. The women and
children were not permitted to share in the
repast, which was one reserved exclusively
for the warriors of the tribe.

Deeply grieved and shocked as I was at
the terrible fate of my companions, yet I wai
filled with thankfulness at my own fortunate
escape, and I could not help wondering how
it had been brought about. The old priest
certainly knew something of masonry, but
how much knowledge he possessed, and where
he had obtained it, I cannot say. I know
only that his knowledge was the means of
saving my life, and of inducing him to treat
me w^ith kindness. I was now permitted to
go about freely, and was taken by the priest
to his house. I thus became sacred, and my
safety was secured at least for a time.

The priest's house was different in many
respects from the houses of the other chiefs.

Adventures in New Gtiinca. 57

It was larger, and consisted of three floors,
one of which was dug out of the earth. Into
this room no person was permitted to enter
but the priest himself. The second floor,
level with the street, consisted of only one
yery large room, twelve feet by twenty, which
had no connection with either the upper or
lower storey. The upper storey, divided into
three compartments, was occupied by the
priest's wives, one in each compartment. In
this respect he differed from the other savages,
who were only permitted to have one wife.
A distinguished chief was permitted to have
two, and was expected to have two rooms on
the upper storey. The commoner people lived
wholly on a ground floor. Many of the houses
had verandahs round them, sometimes on
both upper and lower storeys.

But this was a privilege that was not per-
mitted to the smaller houses, unless their
occupants had distinguished themselves in
some way. The fact is that the storeys and
compartments of a man's house, together
with the style of the verandah, were a mark
of his position in his tribe. At one glance
you could tell who among the people of the
village were the principal and who the inferior
people. The village of R^gek consisted of
about fifty or sixty houses, and was delight-

58 Advenhires in New Guinea.

fully situated, affording opportunities for
hunting and fishing during the greater portion
of the year. Here I remained for several
months, and made great progress in speaking
the language. By this means I picked up
considerable information about the interior,
and heard many wonderful reports of its
mysteries, which awakened in me the desire
to penetrate the dense forests which sheltered
it, and reach the kingdom of K'ootar enclosed
within the high ranges, whose peaks of snow
I had seen when on a hunting expedition
some ten miles inland, from tho higher
ground.

Adventures in New Gtiinca. 59

CHAPTER VII.

As tlie reader may learn from tlie closing
sentence of the last chapter, I was allowed
the exercise of a great deal of liberty, indeed
was perfectly unrestrained, sharing freely in
all the expeditions of the tribe for hunting or
fishing purposes. On one of these expedi-
tions inland we reached a very high hill —
part of a range of mountains, running north
and south.

As T was anxious to obtain some idea of
the country beyond, I persuaded my com-
panions to ascend the range with me, and on
reaching the top I was able to see the sum-
mits of a distant mountain, or range of
mountains, whose whitened peaks were lost
in the clouds. On inquiring the name of this
mountain the natives shook their heads, and
became silent. After much persuasion on my
part they told me that it belonged to the
kingdom of K'ootar, and that a great king
ruled over the surrounding country. His
power was so great that none of the chiefs,

6o Adventures in Neiu Guinea,

nor even the priests on the coast country,
were able to stand against him. I could get
very little information about this inland tribe,
as my companions did not care to speak about
the kingdom of K'ootar, being fearful of the
vengeance of the mountaineers. The fact is
many of them had a superstitious belief that
their words were carried to these terrible
people by invisible spirits. Hence they spake
only in whispers about the Great Kingdom in
Tanna-Vorkoo (the mountain range). I had
heard enough, however, to excite my imagi-
nation, and to prepare me for adventure.
Part of the information that I thus g'athered
was this. The people inhabiting the mountain
sometimes came down to the coast, riding on
evil spirits which moved like the wind,
breathing out fire from their nostrils, and
that nothing could withstand them. The
horsemen who rode on these fierce spirits
were clothed with flames, and burnt up every-
thing like the sun, dazzling the eyes of all
who looked upon them. From this I made
out that these mountain men were well armed,
and had bright, perhaps golden armour ; for
one of the prevailing stories in Australia be-
fore we started was that the interior of the
country was rich in gold.

AlthouQ:h much that was told me about the

Advenhtres in New Guinea. 6i

Orangwoks (for such was their name) was
utter folly, yet I felt sure that there was
some foundation in fact, for these exaggerated
reports, and by some curious circumstances
I was able to make out the truth about the
mountain tribe.

The priest (whose name was Lakangeoo)
had taken me to live in his house, for a reason
which will presently appear, and I obtained
through his favour the restoration of my
clothes, with those of my poor mates who had
been murdered. I obtained also some of the
things which had been stolen from the ship.
Amongst these were some books, a Bible, the
old " Pilgrim's Progress," and some pictures.
I got also some pencils, and a few quires of
foolscap paper, which were very useful to me.
But to return. The " Pilgrim's Progress"
was, as the reader may remember, illustrated ;
and among the illustrations was a highly-
coloured picture of Christian on the Delectable
Mountains. On the plain was a flock of
sheep, several of which were brought out
towards the foreground. After my conver-
sation about the kingdom of K'ootar, I was
showing these pictures to one of the natives
who had given me the information about the
evil spirits ridden by the mountaineers, and
when we came to the picture of the sheep on

62 Adventures Z7i Neiv Gtiinea.

tlie Delectable MountainSj lie exclaimed,
*' Ahze, abze," — evil spirit, evil spirit, and
pointed to the sheep. I understood from
this that the mountain tribe were possessed
of horses, or ponies.

Lakangeoo (the priest) was a very shrewd
man, and endeavoured to obtain from me
information that might be useful to himself.
He, I suspect, fully understood that white
men were superior to black men. From
words that fell from him from time to time,
I came to the conclusion that many years ago
he had been in possession of a white man,
and I suspected that the priest's knowledge
of masonry was derived from his white
prisoner, as he often made inquiries about
European practices (in these inquiries he be-
trayed the existence of a previous knowledge).
I related incidents of my own life, and among
them I told him of my digging experiences.
The old man's eyes twinkled as he listened
to me, and his manner became eager as I told
him that the metal which was thus dug out
of the earth was the same as that used by
the mountain chiefs in their dress and shields ;
and showing him a highly-coloured picture
in the " Pilgrim's Progress," where a bright
yellow colour was conspicuous, I illustrated
my meaning to him. After this he was

Adventures in Nciv Guinea. 63

always ready to talk to me about the way
the English gold-miner obtained the precious
metal from the earth. From the persistency
with which he dwelt on the idea, I knew he
had some plot in his head, and felt sure that
a short time would reveal what it was. So
one day, after renewing our conversation
about the way of procuring gold, Lakangeoo
said to mo, —

" There is gold in K'ootar dug out of the
mountains in large quantities."

" So I thought," was my reply; *' do the
Orangwoks work their mines ? "

" Yes, after a fashion. We could show
them how to work them to greater advan-
tage."

" But would they not kill us if we crossed
the great Tannavorkoo ? " for so was the
mountain called.

He replied, with an expression of contempt,
" If we can show them how to work their
mines, they will welcome us. I have lived
many suns," he said, pointing to his white
hair, as one might appeal to one's knowledge
of the world.

From this time he began to plan with me
an adventure kito the K'ootar territory. I
was as eager, although from a different
motive, as Lakangeoo, and resolved to share

64 Adventures in New Guinea.

the adventure with him ; so, giving out that
he was going to confer with Otaroo, he and
myself, accompanied by six strong men as an
escort, carrying all that we considered
valuable, started, taking a north-east route.
Under the guidance of the old priest, we
skirted the ground of other tribes that lay
between ourselves and the frontier, which,
after three days' travelling, we reached in
safety. The land had been gradually rising
since we left the coast ; now it suddenly fell
some hundreds of feet, making a natural
rampart like a precipice some hundreds of feet
deep. Before descending the precipitous
rampart, I will describe the view which we
now saw. A vast plain, well- watered, well-
wooded, well-cultivated. Streams of water
ran through all its extent, rendering it
wonderfully fertile. These streams dis-
charged themselves into a lake at the foot of
the natural rampart which bounded the
kingdom of K'ootar. The lake had (as far
I could learn) no outlet, so I conclude the
water escaped by some subterranean channel,
so passing on to the sea, and, as some
believed, fertilizing the coast country, in its
underground progress. The whole of this
immense plain was under cultivation, and
was like the garden of Eden for beauty and

Adventures in New Gtiinea, 65

fertility. Even now I could see througli the
clearings evidences of cultivation. The rising
smoke, curling high above the tall palm-
trees, showed in places innumerable the
presence of habitation — herds of cattle,
buffalo or bison, antelopes, and other game
were to be seen in all directions. As we
went through this natural paradise, we saw
richly plumaged birds, in size and variegated
colours such as I had never imagined. These
birds were called wawkoo.

Beyond all, about fifty miles distant, a very
high mountain rose, and Lad its highest
snow-capped peaks in the clouds ; this was
the range called Tannavorkoo. It spread
itself out far beyond the limits of my vision,
maintaining everywhere its altitude. It was
such a range as might bar the progress of the
inexperienced traveller, and turn him back to
the fertile plain, out of which it rose. 1 had
not the least suspicion at this time that there
was a habitable, still less that there was an
actually inhabited territory, in the midst of
this range of high hills.

Before descending to the plain, we sent back
our escort, who had scarcely dared to look out
over K'ootar territory. It would have been
instant death to any one of them to set his
foot in that plain, so at least said Lakangeoo.

p

66 Adventures in Nczu Guinea.

No sooner had tlie priesfc and myself
descended, carrying our luggage with us, than
as if from the ground, a score of Orangwoks
enclosed us. They were mounted on little
ponies, striped with yellow and white, which
moved with great speed. Their riders were
clothed in a long, loose-fitting robe, reaching
below the knee ; this was the common dress
of the country. They were armed with
swords, spears, and bows and arrows. Some
of them carried shields of pure gold, and
others had a breastplate of gold bars. They
had a warlike look, although they were of
small stature. We were seized before we
had time to otfer resistance, even had we
thought of doing so, and bound with a well-
made rope of bark and gold thread.

The head of the troop demanded our names
and business in a tone of authority. He
spoke the same language as the coast tribe,
but spoke it differently. The coast tribe
spoke from the throat ; the Orangwoks spoke
from their lips and upper part of the mouth;
their voice too was more resonant, their
pronunciation of the words was also different,
and many of the words used were unknown
to me. Lakangeoo replied to the speaker,
and explained in an undertone our business.
The officer listen ened with an indifferent air

' ^KS^jA^x =^/i Wjj^o^i^^f/flZ f^.

THE CAPTURE.

Page I

Adventures in Neio Gttmea. 67

until the priest meutioned tiie goldmines.
The chief's attention was at once aroused,
and he now displayed the keenest interest.
When the priest finished speaking, at a word
from the leader, every Orangwok sheated his
sword, or lowered his spear, from which I
inferred that we were safe, and prepared to
ride onward. Oar course lay along a well-
made, well-beaten road; the officer at the
head of the troop having first sent on
two of his soldiers (I suppose I must call
them such) in the direction of the mountain
range of which I have spoken. Their little
ponies went like the wind, and their white
and yellow stripes flashed in the passing light
in a striking manner ; so too did the arms
and shields, which were brightly burnished.
I could now understand how the imagination
of the coast natives had been wrought upon
by the vision of some hundreds of the Oraug-
woks riding rapidly in their bright armour.

]? 2

68 Adventwes in New Guinea.

CHAPTER YIII.

Lakang:^oo and myself were still carrying tlie
heavy bundles containing our valuables,
■which had hitherto been borne by our escort.
These packages weighed upwards of fifty
pounds each, and under a hot sun, for it was
now past noon, we found the burden as heavy
as we could well bear at the rapid pace
we were travelling, for, of course, there
were no ponies for us. After an hour's
quick walking we reached a well-constructed
house built on the side of the road, and sur-
rounded by waving trees, very tall and
graceful, which sheltered the building from
the great heat. "We were glad of the rest
which we were allowed to take at this place ;
some refreshments had been prepared for us,
ordered by the couriers who had been sent
on in advance, and who, it appeared, still
continued in advance of us all along the
route. The house was the finest-looking
one I had yet seen. It was built of wood
throughout, and the rooms were very

Advenhcres in Neio Guinea. 69

cnpacioiis. There were underground rooms
for summer use, and two stories above.
Although the wood-work was generally of a
rough description, yet there were indications
of a better taste in the carved finishings, and
the worked pillars supporting the verandah
which here, as on the coast, ran all round the
house, both upstairs and down. The upstair
rooms were reached on the outside by a well-
made ladder. The yard in which this house
was built was surrounded by tropical vegeta-
tion and tropical fruits. In one corner of
the court was a fine bath, sheltered by trees.
This was the first bath I had seen, and I
was glad to avail myself of the permission to
have a swim in the water, which I found
delightfully cool. A magnificent specimen
of the wawkoo sat in one of the tall trees,
watching my bathing operations. Its
feathers, which were of gold, crimson, blue, of
every colour of the rainbow, shone richly
in the sun. The note of the bird is, how-
ever, very coarse and unmusical.

After a rest of a couple of hours our
captors prepared to continue their march.
The priest and myself were now placed upon
horseback — that is, we were put upon
little ponies such as our captors rode. This
was a great relief to me, especially as our

7o Adventures in New Guinea.

burdens had been strapped upon another pony.
When all was ready we were placed in the
middle, four riding in advance, four on either
hand, and the remainder of the troop bring-
ing up the rear. At the word " blanputt "
we started at a rapid pace, a quick canter,
which soon quickened to a hand-gallop,
as our little ponies got warm, and thus we
continued for a full hour, the horses' feet,
with the spears and swords of our escort,
making a great clatter.

The Orangwoks — judging from our guards,
and I found that they were good specimens
of the tribe generally — were short, not more
than five feet in height, some of them as little
as four feet six. They were fairer than the
coast natives, and had straight hair. In
many there was a tendency to curl at the
ends, and in some few there was an actual
frizziness all over the head. They were
very proud of their hair and their teeth,
which were pearly white. In this there was
a striking contrast with the shore tribe, whoso
hair stood up like a huge mop, or like
porcupine quills, all round the head, and
whose teeth were often very offensive. An
Orangwok reminded me of a Malay, and yet
he was somethiDg like a negro too, but very
much superior to the ordinary'- Papuan.

Adventures in N'eiv Guinea, 71

While I make these reflectious we are
galloping along the great highway, every few
miles passing a house like the one at which
we had rested. These houses were placed
every ten or twelve miles, and were posting
houses for the king's service. Once we met
a troop of horsemen passing eastward, a short
parley ensued, the priest and myself were
examined, in much the same way as indolent
men would examine some curious specimen,
with a mixture of indifference, contempt,
and curiosity, and then on we went again.
At night we rested in one of the posting-
houses, and were off again at sunrise. I
was in great agony, for I had not ridden for
nearly twelve months, and the priest was in a
worse condition. Still we were hurried on,
until towards noon we approached the foot of
the great Tannavorkoo. We now halted at
the last posting-house on the plain, and had
some refreshments.

About four o'clock we mounted our ponies
again, and began to ascend the range. I was
surprised to find so good a road cut out of the
solid rock. Places which seemed inaccessi-
ble, had been reached, great blocks of stone
broken away, and a good roadway cleared.
We continued to rise until night fell ; even
now we did not draw rein, but kept on at a

72 Adventures in New Guinea.

quick pace for an hour, until I could no longer
see llie road, whicli I knew was not more than
eight or ten feet wide in places. AYe now
reached a small posting-house, and remained
there for the night. Early in the morning
we were again on our way, after taking a
look at the road which we had passed over in
the dark. We had been travelling along the
edge of a precipice which fell away from the
parapet abruptly, and had a descent of nearly
1000 feet. AYhen we had reached an altitude
of about 3000 feet above the level of the
plain, we entered a vast plateau clothed with
some tropical vegetation, and very fertile, we
saw the smoke of a town or village before us,
and were glad to hurry on and rest ourselves,
for I thought that now our journey was over.
Some ten or twelve miles farther inland the
land began to rise again, and form a new
base for Tannavorkoo whose peaks seemed to
reach to the clouds. It was evident that
we were still at the base of the great moun-
tain. We rested at this village, or town, the
first that I had seen of the Orangwoks, but as
I shall have opportunity to describe the
capital city, I need not stay to describe this,
which was only a town of about three
thousand inhabitants. I was much struck
by the evidences of superior civilization which
it presented.

Adventures in Neiv Gttinca. 73

After a few hours' rest, I learned to my
regret that we had still to travel onward,
and upward. This plateau was for spring
habitation, and it was now the height of
summer. It was well- watered by a river,
which descended from the mountain range,
and which was judiciously directed into
numerous channels or canals. The danger
incident to mountain torrents or rivers
was thus avoided, and \}ciQ whole land was
fertilized by the general diffusion of the
water. As we neared the defile of the upper
Tannavorkoo, a horseman started out and
challenged us. On receiving our pass-word
he allowed us to enter the defile. As we
entered, I saw the shields and spears of a
troop of horse, who were guarding the
approaches, rising out of a plantation. A
handful of men could keep such a pass
against thousands. Another day's travelling
brought us to the higher plateau of the king-
dom of K'ootar, where the king and Lis
warriors have their summer residence. As
we rose to the level of the plain we felt the
agreeable change in the atmosphere. Every
man, as we ascended to the level country,
lifted his head-gear, which consisted of a
light frame of bamboo, covered with neat
grass-work. I thought that this was some
religious act, but I learnt that it was au

74 AdventiLvcs in Nczv Guinea,

act of homage to the king, whose sacred
presence filled the whole plain. We now
.moved on more quietly, although we still
, moved quicklj^ As we neared the city
every man again took off his head-gear,
and after mumbling some words replaced
it on his head. On entering the city
every one became silent, or spoke only in
whispers. This, I was informed, was out of
respect for the king's palace, which was
inside the city; and here I may mention
that it was not considered good manners to
speak above a whisper while inside the Avails
of K'ootar (the city gave its name to the
kingdom). It was this restriction which
doubtless formed that habit of restraint and
silence which was so observable in the
Orangw6ks, especially when contrasted with
the Papuans proper, who were a highly
excitable and boisterous people. We walked
the streets in silence, having dismounted.
Our coming did not apparently occasion any
surprise on the part of the inhabitants. No
one turned to look at us ; and those who
passed us only noticed us by turning up
the palms of their hands, and looking into
it, their mode of salutation.

Adventures in N'eiu Gninea.

/D

CHAPTER IX.

K'ooTAR consisted of about two thousand
or three thousand houses, and had a popula-
tion of nearly ten thousand people. It was
by far the finest city of the kingdom,
though by no means the largest. None but
chiefs and warriors were permitted to
live in K'ootar, although any person, on
receiving permission, was allowed to stay
in it for a limited time. The houses
were of several storeys, varying from
three (including the ground floor) to
seven. The palace of the king consisted of
seven storeys. A few of the more distin-
guished chiefs had houses of six storej'S,
others less distinguished had five, four, or
three. No house of less than three was
allowed to be built in K'ootar. This pro-
cured a uniformity which was very agreeable to
the eye. The streets were narrow^ — the only
fault I could find with the style of the city —
so narrow, that one's movements were con-
siderably impeded if ^ one was in a hurry.

76 Adventures in New Guinea.

As, however, nobody was permitted to hasten
or appear hurried in K'ootar, this incon-
venience was not felt. The houses were
verandahed as on the coast, but more
elaborately, and with greater regard to the
rank and distinction of the possessor. The
palace had a verandah running right round
the house on each storey. In many of the
chiefs' houses these verandahs did not go
completely round. It was a point of etiquette
rigidly enforced that no verandah could be
added on any pretence whatever, without the
express sanction of the king, who even held
a consultation with his wise men, the uoo,
before granting it. A description of one of
these houses will suffice for all.

The house at which I was lodged, until
the king's pleasure respecting me was known,
consisted of two large rooms on the ground
floor, each fifteen feet by twenty ; out of one
of these rooms there was an approach by
means of a ladder to the upper storey, which
ag;ain consisted of two rooms. Above this
storey were two other storeys, but the lower
one was reached from the outside from a court-
yard by means of a carved ladder, which had
a balustrade running down one side of it.
From this third storey the top floor was
reached from within. This was the floor of

Adventures in New Gtimea. "jy

honour, and the two upper storeys were
reserved for the women of the family. There
was little or no furniture in our sense of the
term. "Well-carved settles were placed round
each room, which were used as both seats
and beds. The floor was covered with well-
wrought mats, and the walls were decorated
with bright-coloured feathers and skins.
The meals were taken in the second storey,
the members of the family in the upper rooms
coming down to take part in the common
meal. After all the family had seated them-
selves on mats or rushes, a slave brought
the food on clean leaves or well-scoured
marble dishes, according to the nature of the
food. When many guests were present, and
it was desired to honour them, a different
method was observed in serving thedinner
or breakfast, for there was no evening meal.
Each room had a large opening in the centre
of the floor, which was skilfully concealed
under ordinary circumstances, but, on the
occasion to which I refer, these openings
were exposed, and the guests and members
of the family sat round them chatting and
laughing. Presently the head of a slave
would appear above the opening, and then
his shoulders, until his waist was on a level
■with the floor. He had in his hand the

^8 Adventures in New Guinea.

supply of food, wliicli was handed about by
him in a remarkably quick manner, for it is
not considered etiquette for one guest to
handle the food of another. The slave had
to move all round the opening, serving each
guest with whatever he required. This was
managed by an apparatus set up on the lower
storey, by which means he was enabled to
walk rapidly round the inside of the table
so to speak. At least one other slave, was
kept waiting upon the slave who was serving
the guests. It was considered a mark of
distinction to be invited to dine with a chief
who required three or four slaves to serve his
guests. In the houses of the chiefs who were
able to do this, the dining-room would be on
the third or fourth storey. That of the king
was on the fifth floor, and full a dozen slaves
were kept upon his diniug-ladder. It seemed
to me that the most difficult and unpleasant
thing to do was considered the most
honourable by this people. But it is time to
return from this digression, as I do not
doubt the reader is equally anxious as my-
self to know how I am to be received by the
king. At first I was lodged, or placed in
custody of an old chief, of moderate distinc-
tion, who had a three-storeyed house.

Lakangeoo was placed in charge of some

Adventures in Neiv Gninca. 79

otlier cliiof. Old Kayliar, tliG chief with
whom I was placed, had one wife and a
daughter about fifteen, the latter being evi-
dently in delicate health. They were all very
kind to me, and entered into conversation,
inquiring how I became white, and whether
there was any other country than K'ootar,
except the country of the Kahshi — coarse
spirits — the coast tribes. These Papuans
were universally called Kahshi by the Orang-
woks, and no greater term of contempt or
offence was known among them. I replied
by telling them of Europe, and describing its
great cities, its fleets of ships, the grandeur
of its kings. At this they were all silent.
They evidently did not believe me, yet were
unwilling to contradict what I said. As they
all left the rooni that night, they raised their
hands, and, turning up the palm as if they
would examine it, bade me good night.

Here was I in such a position as probably
no European had ever been in before. I
thought my life was safe, yet I was too ex-
cited to sleep. My mind revelled in the idea
of adventure, and I gave full play to my
imagination.

In about a fortnight a great chief, who had
been brought from a distant part of the king-
dom, arrived, and, after repeated conferences

8o Adventures in New Guinea.

with him, the king decided that I shouki be
admitted to his presence. It appears that
Lakangeoo had been interrogated about me,
and had revealed our knowledge of gold-
mining to my captors. The chief who had
been brong-ht from a distance had been in
charge of the gold-mining operations. Hence
the reason of his coming. He had conferred
with me several times before it had been de-
cided that I should be presented to the king.
Once having seen him, my kind host's
daughter told me, my life was safe. Lakan-
geoo had not been permitted to see him ; and
here I may say that I never again saw the
old priest, nor do I know what became of him.
I never could obtain a scrap of information
respecting his fate. The day I was presented
was ushered in by the beating of drums, the
blowing of horns, and the jingling of a small
instrument made of gold bars. The sounds
made were very pleasing, but I am not able
to say how far they were musical.

At sunrise the town was astir, for the day
was a gala day, and people poured into the
streets from the country. Dressed in their
best, I was going to write, but this would be
a misnomer. They were nearly naked, having
only a thin piece of well-wrought stuff
desccndino* from the loins to the knees. Tho

AdvcntiLves iii Neiv Guinea, 8i

men avIio were permitted to enter the palace
courtyard, had on only a short strip of thin
stuff, not more than six inches long. The
women who took part in the proceedings of
the palace were perfectly naked, with the
exception of a few ornaments. This was to
me a disgusting and immodest exposure ; and
yet the women themselves did not seem to
think there was any immodesty in their dress,
or want of dress. What makes this the more
noticeable is the fact that ordinarily they are
decently covered, and are generally a re-
markably modest class of women.

During the time I was lodging with Kayhar
I had learnt, if not to speak like the Orang-
woks, yet to understand their pronunciation.
For a time I was very much puzzled by their
speech, which was not at all like that of the
Kahshi. The sound was loud and resonant,
and appeared to come from a distance. Even
in K'ootar itself the whispers were marked
by the same characteristic ; they seemed to
come from the top of the speaker's head. I
had got somewhat accustomed to this in my
host's family, and could now readily under-
stand their speech, although many of their
words were still unknown to me. I had been
carefully instructed in the etiquette connected
with a presentation by my host, so I did not

G

82 Aaventures in New Guinea,

fear tlie ceremonies of tlie coming day. In-
deed I was most anxious to see tlie terrible
king, of whom everybody stood in sucli awe.
I had thought that there was something
special about this particular levee, if I may
call the ceremony of a savage court by such
a name — that it was specially convened in
connection with myself. This, was not the
case, however. It was the regular assembly
held every month, except in the winter, on
the day of the full moon. The presentations
were made in a spacious courtyard, reserved
for state occasions. The floor of this yard
was of marble, inlaid with bars of gold. The
marble was smooth and well polished, but
the gold was rough and frosted. In the
centre of the floor was a dais, very roomy,
and on the dais were two thrones raised by
means of several steps considerably above
the level of the dais itself. The thrones were
of pure gold, and were surrounded by
brightly-polished mirrors, which caught and
reflected the sun's light in a most dazzling
manner. Indeed one could not look without
blinking at the king and his wife, who occu-
pied the thrones. On the first step on either
side of the king stood one of the uoo men
with long grey hair and beard ; below them,
on the next step, stood two more of the iioo.

Advenkires in Neiv Gtunea. 8

J

younger iu years, while the dais was occupied
by a troojo of guards, who surrounded the
sacred steps. Immediately on either side of
the thrones, but standing on the dais, were
two immense tigers, beautifully striped. They
looked as if they were ready to spring upon
the prostrate crowd of courtiers, but they
were firmly secured by means of well- wrought
ropes, twisted with gold wire. The whole
yard was lined with guards who sat upon
their little ponies against the wall, and, with
couched spears or drawn swords, looked as if
they were only waiting for a nod from the
despot to fall upon the crowd and slay them.
Every one who entered passed up a lane of
such guards, and on approaching the dais fell
upon his stomach, drawing himself along in
this position until he was opposite the king's
throne. He then turned up his hand towards the
king three times, keeping his face to the ground
all the time, and on receiving a gentle prick
from the spear of one of the many guards, he
moved on again until he got beyond the limits
of the dais. On reaching this limit, he sprang
to his feet, and, entering the crowd of spec-
tators who were in the galleries around the
courtyard, took his place among the onlookers.
Although the ceremonies were very painful, yet
they were performed with great rapidity, jis
G 2

84 Adventures in New Guinea,

one person followed quickly upon tlie lieels
of another. Nearly five hours, however,
elapsed before my turn came to be presented.
I was neither courtier nor criminal — a kind
of suitor for mercy ; so my case was peculiar.
When I came opposite the throne I. stopped,
and was questioned amid the breathless
silence of the crowd.
" What is your name ? "
" Tregan." (My sailor friends had short-
ened my name to Trigg — sometimes Trik —
but the Kahshi had called me Tregan, Avhich
suited the genius of their language, so I gave
my name as Tregan.)

"What country did you come from?"
" A country beyond the great ocean."
After this answer there was a short silence,
and some consultation.

" How did you become white ? "
" I was born so. All people are white in
my country."

At this there was another short silence,
and a further consultation. I heard the
word " edze " used several times. I was
afraid I was getting into disgrace again.
" What do people in your country do ? "
" Dig gold out of the earth."
" How is the gold obtained ? "
To this I replied shortly by explaining.

Adventures in New Guinea. 85

"Will you go to the gold-mines of the
Great King ? " (And here I could feel there
was a general movement of reverence.)
" And teach his servants to get gold ? "

To this I replied that I would.

These questions were not put to me by
the king himself. He addressed the wise
man on his right hand, who again communi-
cated with one on the next step, and he to
one on the dais. My answer was conveyed
to the king after a similar manner, but going
the reverse way, being delivered to him by
the wise man on his left hand.

I was now gently touched with the spear,
and moved on, pleased that the wearisome
and painful exhibition was over. On going
up into the galleries already mentioned, I
was struck with the magnificence of the cere-
monial. The bright sun, which fell upon the
gorgeous spectacle, illuminated the vast
court with dazzling light; for every guard
was clothed in bright uniform overlaid with
gold. Everywhere there was a profusion of
this metal.

The king was very small, not more than
four feet high, and made in proportion. His
wife was still smaller. They were richly
dressed, and their jewels (they were the only
persons permitted to wear jewels) shone with

86 Adventures in N'eiv Guinea,

a dazzling lustre. In addition to the tigers
I have mentioned there were on the outer
rim of the dais four wild-looking animals
(bisons, I believe they were) ; while in the
trees which shaded the throne, and which
were carefully cultivated, there sat several
mao;'nificent wawkoo.

As the king and the queen descended from
their high seat the crowd prostrated them-
selves, and so remained until their Majesties
had withdrawn. The ceremony, to which so
many looked forward with eager anxiet}^, had
DOW come to an end, and we were free to
return to our houses. I may mention here
that no sooner had the king withdrawn than
I was surrounded by an eager throng of
Orangwok warriors, their wives anddaughters,
who saluted me, and welcomed me to K'ootar,
pressing invitations to visit them at their
houses upon me. It seemed as if I was in a
charmed world.

On my return to the house of Kayhar I
was welcomed very heartily b}?" Lamlam, my
host's daughter, who was eager to know
what I thought of the great ceremony. I
expressed my admiration and wonder at the
splendour which I had seen, which gratified
my fair questioner. I could not help, how-
ever, remarking upon the women's want of

Adventures in New Guinea. 87

costume on sucli occasions. Lamlam seemed
surprised at this, and said, —

" It is usual ; everybody does it. Wliere
is the harm in it ? "

'* It is not done in my country," I replied.
*' Any woman who acted so would be looked
upon with abhorrence as indecent."

This hurt the gentle Lamlam, so I hastened
to explain that probably habit made all the
difference between the usages of diflferent
people.

" Yes," she replied, " we are accustomed
to this practice from the time we are children,
and no one refuses to conform to it except
those who are edze (that is, out of their
mind), and they are sent out of K'ootar.
Wo one is permitted to live here who does
not conform to our customs."

SS Adveninres in Nezv Guinea-

CHAPTER X.

HoTARwoKoo,^ for sucli was the name of tlie
king of K'ootar, meaning the living one —
terrible king of beauty — such, at least, is the
nearest approach that can be made in English
to the meaning of the name — Hotarwokoo
was about thirty years old. He had succeeded
the previous king five years before, and had
been selected to succeed by a council of the
iioo. It appears from what I could learn
that the eldest son of the king does not
necessarily succeed his father to the throne.
The heir is elected by the council of wise
men, who meet in secret, in a darkened
chamber, for the purpose of designating the
king's succesor. He must belong to one of
the principal families, and must not be more
than four feet high ; for such is one of tlie
absurd restrictions imposed upon the choice

' The frequent recurrence of tlie vowels oo in com-
bination lias led me to the conclusion that they have
an adjective foi'ce ; and that tliej are equivalent to
good, or y?"ea^.— Ed.

Adventures in New Guinea. 89

of tlie lioo. I could not ascertain how or
when this restriction was first imposed, but
suspect that it was a device of the chieftains
in an earlier age to protect themselves and
their families from the mere brute force of
their superior chief. But however the practice
arose, it is certain that no one now questions
its expediency. Yet it had a very bad effect
upon the physical training of the Orangwqks,
for it set a kind of fashion of smalluess,
which had an injurious effect upon the people
generally ; at any rate, upon the chiefs. The
present king had the reputation of being an
amiable man, and was held in very high re-
gard in consequence. I do not know that he
ever distinguished himself in any way, but as
the kingdom was prosperous, and had been
long at peace, much of this favourable con-
dition of things was ignorantly attributed to
him ; and as he did not mix with the nobles
(if I may call them by a name which is so
misleading), and lived in a very secluded
manner, he was held in greater awe, as well as
affection, than any of his predecessors, I was
assured. I have several times spoken of his
wife. I should have mentioned his wives, for
he had seven; only, six of them were not
supposed to be known, nor were they ever
spoken of in the presence of the wives and

90 Adventures tn New Gtiinea.

daugliters of the otlier chiefs. These wives
were never seen in pubhc, and nobody knew
anything about them. Here is a fitting place
to mention the usages of the Orangwok
nobles respecting wives. Polygamy was al-
lowed, but was not encouraged. The women,
I was glad to learn, were entirely opposed to
it, except in very exceptional cases. No
chief, however, was permitted to have more
than four wives, and they, like the additional
wives of the king, were not generally known.
It is not to be supposed that many of the
chiefs really had so many as four wives, for
such was not the case. For every separate
wife a chief was bound, by strict custom, to
build and maintain a separate establishment.
This fact naturally tended to hinder the
growth of polygamy.

As it is not my intention, even if I had the
ability or knowledge which would enable me
to do so, to write a book about the customs
and habits of the people of K'ootar, I will
return from this digression to my own personal
adventures while in this country. As I have
said, I was heartily welcomed by Kayhar and
his family on my return from the palace, and
was treated with great kindness. A room
was now assigned me for my own sole use
until it was decided when I was to start for

Adventures in Nezv Guinea. 9!

tlie king's mines. I had also my clothing
restored to me, together with several of the
books and the paper which had been saved
from the wreck. Both books and paper were
a great source of comfort to me. The pictures
were intensely amusing to Lamlam, and when
she saw me reading off the page of the book
a real story, which I translated as well as I
could as I read, she was excessively astonished,
and called her mother to witness this mar-
vellous feat. After seeing these things, and
seeing me use the pencil for the purpose of
drawing in a rude way some figures, they
began to question me more minutely about
the great world beyond the sea. Next
morning, Lamlam came to me, and begged
me to teach her to speak to the wonderful
book. I explained, after reading the English
aloud, that it would be impossible for her to
understand it; but I would teach her to write
with the pencil. So apt was she that before
the day closed she had learnt several words,
quite a dozen, off by heart. The characters
were of course English, but the words spelt
were' Orangwok words. I then wrote them
in the order of a sentence, which she read
aloud with childish delight. This was the
sentence I composed for her : —

" Pretty Lamlam has asked Tregan to

92 Adventures in Neiv Guinea.

teacli her. Tregan will teacli Lamia m to
read. Lamlam is pretty and good."

Having read this over again, making ont
each word slowly, she ran to her mother, and
showing her what she had on the paper, read
it aloud. Every day after this, she came to
me to give her a lesson, which I gladly did.

I had a natural talent for drawing, and
although I had not cultivated it, yet I could
draw anything that I saw roughly in outline.
One day I took a rough sketch of Tannavor-
koo, and showed it to Lamlam. This again
amazed her, for these people, though not
wanting in ability, yet had no literature of
any kind, and made no attempt, beyond a
little carving, to imitate the works of nature.
They would say, " If you want a wawkoo
keep one in your house." I then, while
Lamlam sat patiently, tried to make a sketch
of her face. After a sort I caught its ex-
pression, and then gave the drawing to her.
Situated as I w^as, I resolved to endeavour to
improve myself in every way that I could.
I felt that this would relieve the tediousness
of my captivity, for such I began to feel my
position to be. I often walked out with
Kayhar to see the city. The character of the
houses has been described. Behind them
there ran in every case a large garden-plot —

Adventures in New Guinea. 93

in some cases very large — kept like a park.
This park had in it rare trees and flowers,
beautiful specimens of thebirds of the country,
and an abundant supply of tropical fruits.
jSTearly every chief kept a slave, whose sole
business it was to play some musical instru-
ment, generally a drum. This was accom-
panied by a shrill instrument, made from a
bamboo reed. Occasionally, the more dis-
tinguished chiefs added a third of gold bars,
and so formed a small band, which played of
an afternoon in the garden-parks. As these
garden-parks were attached to every chief's
house, K'ootar covered a very large extent of.
ground.

After I had been idle for about three weeks
longer, I was warned that in seven days (the
day after the monthly levee) I must start for
the king's mines. I at once signified my
readiness to start whenever his Majesty
should be pleased to direct me to do so.

I left some of my pencils and paper (indeed
the greater portion of the latter) with
Lamlam ; I left her also the illustrated
<« Pilgrim's Progress," and the pictures. I
took with me my Bible — the present of my
dear mistress — some pencils, and a few quires
of foolscap paper.

When the time drew near for me to leave

94 Adventures in JVeiu Guinea.

tlie lioiise of my kind liost, I felt very heavy
and sorrowful. I had become quite attached
to the whole family.

As I was to leave in the morning at four
o'clock, just as the sun rose, I bade my
kind friends good-bye (Euglish fashion) by
shaking hands overnight, and then retired to
rest. At four o'clock I was ready to start,
and was preparing to leave the door-way,
when little Lamlam entered. The tears
stood in her eyes, as she gave me her hand
and bade me good-bye again. I was much
touched with this instance of her affection,
and could not resist the impulse to bid her
farewell Frenchwise, telling her I would often
think of Lamlam.

Adventui'es in Nezv Gtnnea. 95

CHAPTER XL

OcJE party consisted of the old chief, who
was governor of the mining territory Watiira,
and who was accompanied on his return to
that district by several other chiefs, a com-
pany of not less than twenty guards, several
— not fewer than six — criminals (these were
picked up about ten miles from K'ootar),
and myself. We were all mounted on ponies,
and the guards were well armed. The old
chief and his companions formed a party of
their own, so the officer in command of the
troop invited me to ride by his side, an
invitation which I very gladly accepted.
The sun was already showing like a ball of
fire above the eastern hills, when we started
from the gate of K'ootar. The rays of tho
sun were shining clearly and strongly on the
snowy tops of Tannavorkoo, dispersing the
light mists which hung around its brow.
Even now the heat was great, but our
quick motion created a pleasant breeze, which
kept us beautifully cool. At a distance of ten

96 Adventures in New Guinea.

miles we readied a small outpost, consisting
of several guard-houses. Here we took up
our contingent of criminals, for persons
under sentence for any crime were not
allowed to come within ten miles of K'ootar.
I found now that all criminals were sentenced
to work at the mines. And once there it
was not often that they returned to K'ootar
proper. They might collect sufficient gold
at Watdrd to redeem their liberty; and on
doing this they were in a position to return,
of whatever crime they had been convicted,
short of treason against the king. The
Orangwoks did not appear to have any idea
of the immoral nature of crime. Crime was
to them simply a violation of the laws or
usages of their land. It did not leave
behind it any moral taint, which would
prevent the person who had recovered his
liberty (very few ever did redeem themselves,
I found) from returning to his old place
among his friends.

After baiting our hardy little ponies — for
we had a long day's ride before us — we started
again, the prisoners in the centre of the
troop. As I rode by the side of the officer
of the troop, named Lanna, I entered into
conversation with him respecting the nature
of the prisoners' offences. There was one

Adventures in New Guinea. 97

of the criminals, who had a very repulsive
appearance, sullen and cruel-looking. I
asked my companion the nature of his
offence.

" He," was the reply, " committed murder,
and stole the murdered man's property. He
escaped to the mountains, and defied all our
attempts to take him. He was caught at
last by a clever stratagem."

" What was its nature ? " I asked.

" "Well, it was known that he was very
fond of his son, a boy of about fourteen years
old, very small in stature, so our chief," he
said, lifting his hat, " sent for the youth, and
had him kept in close quarters until a power-
ful man of theyouth's size could be discovered.
This was a work of some difficulty, for
strength requires size." (At this my friend
swelled his little body out to its full dimen-
sions.) At last a very small man was found
who was extremely powerful. The fact is,
there is not a man in our troop, and we have
some very powerful men " (again my friend
inflated himself) " among us, who was able
to hold him or throw him, and what was of
more importance, was able to get out of his
clutches when once in them. Now, the boy
was very pale, and had a limp in his left leg,
so our chief procured a skilful imitator, and

H

98 Adventures in N'ew Guinea.

directed him to make tlie little man like the
murderer's son. This was not easily done,
yet all things yielded to skill and patience,
and at last the boy was brought into the
presence of our chief. *Well, my boy,' ho
said, ' so 3'ou wish to return to your home ? '

" ' If you will graciously allow me to do
so,' was the reply.

" The chief started. He had been deceived
by the striking likeness to the murderer's
son.

" This man was now sent to the moun-
tains, and shortly found himself in the
embrace of yonder villain. You may
imagine the scoundrel's surprise to find that
his beloved son grasped him so firmly, and
that by no effort could he succeed in freeing
himself from that iron grasp. At first he
thought his son was edze. But when he
learned the fact that he was actually in the
hands of his enemies his rage knew no bounds.
It was a clever trick," continued the youug
officer, laughing heartily at his recollection
of the stratagem,

" And can that man return again to \h.Q
society of innocent people after a time ?
How many years is he sentenced to remain
at the mines ? "

*' He may never come back again. The

Adventures in New Guinea. 99

probability is tliafc he will turn scoundrel
there, and die at the mines. He is not sent
for any particular time, only until he has
raised a certain amount of gold. The time
he takes to do this will depend upon his luck
as well as his skill and industry. And when
he has done this, why shouldn't he return to
K'ootar ? He is not worse than others. All
men have murder in their hearts."

" And w^ho is that young man, with rather
a pleasant, intelligent-looking face, who is
bound with the murderer ?"

" He is a worse character still. You see
how you may be deceived by a man's face."

" "What did he do, then ? I cannot imagine
a much worse crime than that of the man you
have told me of."

" He burnt down one of the groves at
Otaroo."

On saying this, the man reverently lifted
his hat, and relapsed into silence. This was
the first hint I had of anything like the exis-
tence of a reliofious belief or service amons^
these people, but I could not obtain any fur-
ther information on the subject at that time.

TVe had been travelling rapidly, and were

now approaching the termination of the j^lain,

in a south-westerly direction from K'ootar.

"We now halted, and under the shelter of a

H 2

lOO Adventures in New Guinea.

high rocky peak, which started out of the
plain, we dismounted to refresh ourselves. It
was about seven o'clock, and as it was our inten-
tion to reach a certain posting-house by eleven
o'clock, we halted for half an hour only, enter-
ing the mountain range at eight o'clock. For
the next two days we did nothing but climb
steep, dangerous paths, hedged in by yawn-
ing precipices on the one side, and blank
stone walls on the other. But our little beasts
were hardy and sure-footed ; never giving a
chance in all the journey. Towards the end
of the second day we met a company descend-
ing the mountain. They were laden with
gold, and were strongly armed. After we had
passed the descending troop, I asked my
companion, —

" Is there ever any attempt to rob these
escorts of their gold ? "

" There used to be," he replied, with a
strange smile.

"And were these attempts successful?" I
asked.

" I will answer you presently," was Lanna's
reply.

We now entered a plantation of thick trees,
through which the road lay. When we reached
the centre of this grove I was conscious of an
excessively offensive smell, which poisoned

Adventures in New Gtdnea. loi

the whole atmosphere. Before I could obtain
any answer to my eager questions my com-
panion stopped, and, pointing to a tall tree,
showed me the corrupting bodies of five men.
They were enfolded by the coils of a huge
snake, which was wound around them very
elaborately. The snake, of the boa-constrictor
kind, was about seventeen feet in length. Of
course it was dead, and bad been used as
the instrument of death to the unfortunate
men.

*' There," said the officer, " there are the
men who attempted to rob a guard of
Orangwoks of the gold they were carrying
to the king."

He said this with a curl of contempt on
his lip.

We were glad to get beyond the range of
this poisonous stink. In another hour (we
were still rising) we entered a small plain
enclosed in the mountains. It was a black,
weird-looking spot; no trees grew upon it,
and only the most stunted kind of herbage.
The sun never shone upon it, for his rays were
intercepted by the high mountain peaks that
were all around. Only in one place did the
light of the sun fall, and there only for half
an hour in the day. As we entered this
dreary-looking level, our leader, pointing

I02 Adventures hi N'ew Gtiinea.

with his sword to a high ledge of rock, con-
siderably beyond us, said, —

" There are robbers. Orangwoks, ready."
And in a short space six of our troops were
careering at full speed towards the robbers,
who sat for a time in ignorance of our ap-
proach. No sooner, however, did they see
us, than they rose to their feet, and began to
scramble up the steep hill- side with great speed.
Our troop followed them on their ponies, the
little things climbing like goats. We watched
the pursuit with interest ; all except the chief
and his immediate friends, who sat apart and
took no notice of such contemptible things as
robbers. Our interest was sustained by seeing
that the troop was gaining upon one of the rob-
bers, who had separated himself from his com-
panions. At last springing up the steep face of
a huge rock, he signified by his movements
that he had escaped. His triumph was of
short duration, for one of the troop, springing
from his pony, climbed up the face of the same
rock, and, on the robber attempting to push
him back again, grappled with him, and
pulled him down the steep side of the cliff.
We heard one cry, as the two men came roll-
ing down first the rock and then the steep
side of the hill, thumping from stone to stone
like huge boulders. When their descent was

Adventures in Neiv Gninea. 103

cliecked tliey were both dead — bruised and
beaten to pieces. After catcliing tlie unfor-
tunate trooper's pony, and taking off his dress
and arms, we rode on as if nothing had hap-
pened, leaving the bodies unburied.

*' The king has one enemy less," said my
companion, " and one soldier less, but as he
has more soldiers than enemies the king is a
gainer by this result."

Our chief had hardly condescended to
notice the result of the fray, an indifference
to human life which did not raise him in my
estimation.

I04 Adventures in New Guinea,

CHAPTER XII.

This little episode gave me an insight of the
Orangwok character, which was a very un-
pleasant and painful one. It showed that
there was an indifference to human life and
suffering, which was surprising, when con-
trasted with their advancement in some other
respects.

We had now reached an altitude of ten or
twelve thousand feet, I should think, and
began to feel the change in the state of the
atmosphere very keenly at night. JSText day we
continued our advance upward, in a more
direct route, and saw at times the line of snow,
which was not far from us. I may here say,
without particularizing any further, that our
route lay through the Tannavorkoo moun-
tains, and that the path which we travelled
was cut out of the solid rock in many places,
and although well made for a mountain path,
yet we had many perilous and difficult pas-
sages to pass.

About noon, on the third day, we had

Adventures in New Guinea. 105

readied the snow limit, and should, my friend
informed me, begin to descend at once. No
person ever climbed beyond the position we
had now attained, for the spirit of Tanna-
vorkoo lived beyond. He could be heard
talking to himself frequently, and no one
would venture to intrude upon his privacy. It
is often said that sailors are superstitious, yet
the Orangwoks are as full of superstitions as
any sailor that I have ever known. Anything
that is unknown to them they invest with life,
and strange and terrible powers, and although
they do not always worship it, yet they are
always afraid of it. They were afraid, I
gathered from my companion, of the spirit of
the mountain, and gave him a wide berth, by
not venturing higher than our present halting-
place. We were now fully fifteen thousand feet
above the level of the sea.^

I had never been so high in the air in my
life. The prospect was wonderful and fasci-
nating. The eye was carried over all the lower
winter territory of the Orangwoks — the plain
which was first entered by the priest and my-
self. Of course, I could not distinguish any-

^ It must be borne in mind that all the measurements
of space and time in this narration are mere approxima-
tions to the fact. Tregan had no means of determining
either distance or time with accuracy. — Ed.

io6 Adventures in New Guinea.

thing at tliis distance, except tlie lake, which
I formerly mentioned. This I could now
see, like an immense blue cloud lying on the
ground.

"We halted at night, some hundreds of yards
lower down than the highest point we had
reached at noon. It was well that we had
descended so far, for a storm came on during
the night, and swept round the mountain
peaks with great violence. I had never heard
such thunder as rolled about the rocky sides
of the range, crash after crash, reminding me
of the firing of heavy artillery, followed by a
long rolling sound, which shook the hill,
coming when least expected, and from unex-
pected quarters. Roll after roll of thunder,
long-continued vivid flashes of lightning,
forked, and in broad sheets of flame. Such
were some of the phenomena, and these con-
tinued for some hours. All the while heavy
rain fell, soaking us to the skin, for we w:ere
only under the shelter of an old shed made
of rough logs, and put up very carelessly. As
I listened to the thunder, rolling about so
grandl}^, I could fancy there was some wild
spirit upon the mountain — such a fancy had
probably suggested itself to the minds of the
Orangwoks, and given rise to the superstition
of which I have spoken. After the storm

Adventures in New Guinea. 107

passed off, which it did in about two hours,
we made ourselves a little comfortaljle, and
waited for the raornino^.

I was awakened by a loud report, as if of a
cannon, followed by noises above our heads.
My friend said, —

"Hark! Tannavorkoo sp.eaks. Listen!"

After listening for a short time, I thought
I understood the cause of the noises. They
reminded me of the breaking up of ice, which
I had heard when at sea in southern latitudes,
so I concluded that there was a lake above our
heads, farther up the mountain, and that it was
covered with thick ice, which was now break-
ing up under the action of the heavy rain.^

These sounds, which were frequently heard,
were supposed by the Orangwoks to proceed
from the spirit of Tannavorkoo, and always
portended mischief. This superstition made the
old chief, and other members of our party,
extremely anxious to descend the mountain ;
yet no one dared to move until dayhght, as
the paths were narrow and perilous. By the
first streak of light we were on our way
down, glad to be on the move, as the cold was
intense. Our path was now exceedingly
dangerous, as the water rushed over it in
torrents, and broke across our road at many
2 This was probably a glacier. — Ed.

io8 Adventures in New Guinea.

points. The noise, too, of cataracts and
waterfalls filled the atmosphere with disturb-
ing, although pleasant sounds. In about a
couple of hours we were able to travel with
greater rapidity, as the road was much better,
and from this point all the danger and much
of the diflB-Culty of our route were over. We
descended with great rapidity. At night the
atmosphere was again pleasant, although rather
cool. As we lay watching the sky and the large
bright stars which filled the field of vision,
my companion drew my attention to the
flashes of a bright light on our right, and
said, —

" Tannavorkoo's kitchen. He is cooking
his food."

I looked, and after watching for a time, I
saw a deep, rose-coloured light, like that
caused by the reflection of a large fire. The
light kept changing its outline, rising and
falling, and spreading itself about. I could
imagine some part of the mountain on fire.
There was hanging over the spot a mass of
dark clouds, the outline of which was con-
tinually changing, being affected by the
changes of the light; but the mass itself
never seemed to move. As I had seen one
volcano in active work, T came to the con-
clusion that this was a volcano — one of the

Adventures in New Guinea. 109

many in active operation in the interior of the
country. It was a grand sight, and I felt a
rush of pleasurable feelings as I looked upon
these wonders of this unknown land, and
felt that I was the first European who had
ever penetrated so far. My thoughts naturally
went back to my early home, and the expe-
riences of my past life. I recalled the little
graveyard, in which lay the dust of my dear
father, and wondered would my dust ever
mingle with his ; and then I reflected upon his
teaching, and asked myself how far I had en-
deavoured to profit by it, and was constrained
to confess that I had too often failed. Such
thoughts so worked upon my mind, that I
rose up from my place, and kneeling down, as
my companions slept, offered a prayer to God.
I had not done this for years, although I had
not lived without the sense of God's presence.
My mind was more composed, yet I could not
sleep, for I began again to think of the past.
I thought of my poor mother, and shed tears
at the thought of her sufferings and her sorrow
on my account. She would, I felt, never see
me again.

Dear Miss Cunningham, to whom I owed
so much, rose before me, and I felt compelled
to review all her kindness to me ; and Philip,
my early friend and brother, and our long

I lo Adventtwes in N'eiu Guinea,

painful travel, wlien we ran away from
our homes ten years ago — tliese passed before
me. Poor Philip ! his bones were lying in
the ocean, to wait the coming of the Day of
Judgment. And thus my night passed away,
in melancholy recollections of the past.

In the morning, I was informed that our
journey would terminate on the following
day. We were descending rapidly, and entered
upon a large valley, filled with trees and rich
vegetation. The sides of the mountain were
clothed with short trees, of the fir kind in
appearance, very much like some of those
which grow in our public parks, only much
smaller. Here, in the valley mentioned, the
trees were large, and the foliage rich and
plentiful. I will close this chapter by relating
an interesting conversation held between my
friend Lanna and myself. On this day, as
we rode together, he said to me,- — •

" I saw you get up last night, and fall
down upon your knees ; your lips moved.
What were you saying? "

" I was praying; speaking to my God."
" Who is he ? What is his name ? "
" His name is Grod, and He lives up yonder,
beyond Otaroo (the sun)."

At my mentioning the word sun (Otaroo),
my companion lifted his hat, and replied,

Adventures in Nezu Guinea: 1 1 1

" Is lie, to whom you spoke, greater than
Otaroo?"

I replied by suggesthig that Otaroo was
probably the same God, and that he lived
beyond the stars, or beyond the sun (for the
Orangwoks think the stars are only little
pieces of light stuck in the heavens), and that
this name was given to him because it was
the only thing worthy to represent him. On
my saying this, my companion became
thoughtful, and the conversation ceased.

112 Adventures in New Guinea,

CHAPTER XIII.

The change, when we readied tlie large
valley, was exceedingly agreeable, for the
cold farther up the Tannavorkoo had been
excessive. We were now warned that travel-
ling was dangerous from other causes, and
advised to keep together, and to keep a good
look-out. Wild animals were plentiful a
little farther down, so too were serpents, for
in this part of the country, which was not
frequented much by the natives, wild beasts
and snakes abounded. By nightfall we had
entered upon a broad plain covered with the
usual foliage of tropical countries. The heat
was now considerable. Next day we should
be at the mines.

About eight o'clock the next morning the
plain narrowed itself to a large valley, through
which our course lay. We halted before
entering this comparatively narrow defile, for
hills rose on either side of it whose sides were
thickly covered with immense trees. Here
we were informed that our eyes, those of the

Adventures in New Guinea. 1 1 3

prisoners and myself, must be bandaged, as
the passage was one of considerable danger.
I did not like the idea, and begged that I
might be allowed to ride with my eyes un-
covered, as I could look upon anything.
Lanna, my friend, informed me, however,
that it was absolutely necessary that I should
be blindfolded, and advised me to submit and
leave myself with confidence in his hands,
comforting me with the assurance that all
would be well. When we had all been ban-
daged, the guards took hold of our bridles to
lead us. I thought the pony's head had been
turned about, as we began to move, but was
not sure. From a quick ambling pace we
passed into a gallop, and I found it very
difficult to keep my seat, for I could not
assist my judgment with my sight, so I was
constrained to hold on by clutching the pony's
long mane with both hands. For half an
hour at least this pace was kept up, greatly
to my inconvenience. At the end of that
space of time we halted, and after a few
minutes' delay our eyes were unbandaged.
We were standing before the mouth of the
valley down which we had galloped. We
were now informed of the reason for blind-
folding us. This was the celebrated serpents'
valley, of which one heard so much at Watara,

I

%

114 Advenhires in Neiv Guinea,

and wliich had much to do with keeping
people at the mining country; for it was a
dangerous undertaking to travel through this
opening, and no other way to K'ootar was
known. As we stood here to give our ponies
a blow, my guide volunteered to take me
back to the entrance of the valley, that I
might get a better idea of the way we had
come. I consented, and, on our approaching
its mouth, I was struck very much by the
height and size of the trees. Their clear
stems ran up nearly a hundred feet before
the limbs began to appear on them, and were
very thick. Here too were many palm-trees,
whose feather-like plumes gave a graceful
appearance to the whole valley. There was
also a large tree-flower in this valley, which
was now in full bloom. The flower was a
bright -scarlet, which hung suspended in long
folding pendants from the branches. At a
distance one might easily imagine these
scarlet trees to be trees of fire, whose pen-
dants, as they moved in the wind, were the
flames leaping and jumping. I was lost in
admiration as I contemplated these things ;
and as we continued to advance up the valley,
new beauties opened out before us.

" Stop ! beware, Tregan ! " cried my guide
in warning tones.

Adventures in Neiv Guinea. 1 1 5

I stopped at once, and, looking forward
under his direction, saw a vast snake cnrk^d
lip at the foot of a tall tree in front of us.
I could not judge of its length, yet it must
have been very great. Another and another
of these coils were pointed out by him, and I
had an unpleasant sensation of cool perspi-
ration oozing out of the pores of my skin.

" Take care, take care ! " he cried out in
terror, and catching my pony by the head
he pulled me back towards the mouth of the
valley.

After we had got away some twenty yards,
I saw an immense boa-constrictor curled
round the stem of the tree, near which we
had been standing. The beast's neck was
stretched some ten or twelve feet over the
pathway, and its head kept rising and falling
in much the same way as I have seen that of
a turkey wriggle about. The terrible reptile
had evidently been sunning itself, and, having
been awakened by our approach, had pro-
ceeded to uncoil its immense body in order
to obtain its mid-day meal. It was not less
than sixty feet long, I am sure, for I counted
at least six coils round the body of the tree —
allowing seven feet for the length of each
coil, and fifteen feet for the head and neck, I
made it out about sixty feet long. After
I 2

1 1 6 Adventures in New Guinea,

this we hurried back to the guard, and re-
ported "what we had seen. Several of the
prisoners expressing a wish to see the serpent,
they were permitted to approach the mouth
of the valley to catch a distant glimpse of
the boa, with which they were quite satisfied.
I learned afterwards — some years afterwards
— that this valley was never traversed by any
persons ; that the escorts really made a con-
siderable detouTy and came out through a
secret channel whose approaches were care-
fully hidden by trees and rocks. This fact
was concealed from the mining population,
to hinder their return to K'ootar. They
knew of no other path than that through the
boa valley, and were too fearful of its horrors
to dare an attempt through it. Some had
indeed attempted to pass through it, but, as
they had never been heard of again, it was
"universally believed that they had been
destroyed by the serpents ; and there can be
little doubt that such was the case. I have
heard somewhere that an army was once
stopped by a great snake, and I can readily
believe that the boas in this valley would
hinder the progress of the bravest army, if
not completely obstruct it. From this point
our road lay along a well-sheltered plain, the
track running by the side of tall, thickly-

Adventures in Neio Guinea. 1 1 7

foliaged trees. In about an hour from our
leaving the valley, I was startled by hearing
a cry for help, the sound coming, as it seemed
to me, from directly over my head. On
looking upward I was horrified to see an un-
fortunate wretch fastened to a tall tree by
means of ropes, and near him was a small
snake about eio-ht feet lono^. The snake was
standing erect, and hissing at the unfortunate
man, who was beating his hands wildly, and
trying to avoid the fangs of the serpent.

" Can we not help him ? " I asked, greatly
excited.

" No, he is a criminal, and must die.
Better to die thus than wait to be starved or
torn to pieces by birds. He is fortunate."

The snake had now bitten the man, at
least so I judged, for he gave a scream of
fear and pain, and seized the serpent's head
with his half-loosened hands. The venomous
beast now curled itself rapidly round the
neck and arms of the poor man, and strove
to draw its head to the man's face. But
desperation gave the poor fellow strength,
and for a long time he resisted successfully.
At last his strength failed, and we saw, to
my great horror, the snake's fangs steadily
approaching the man's open mouth, for he
was nearly suffocated. I could look no

Ii8 Adven{7ires in Nczu Guinea.

longer, and, turning my head away, continued
my journey. Again I remarked that the old
chief was indifferent, and gave no more than
a single glance at the unfortunate criminal,
who was suffering so terrible a death. In
another half-mile we saw a number of birds
hoveringj over a tree, and on our reaching: it
saw another unfortunate creature chained in
its upper branches. He was vainly trying
to defend himself from the attacks of an
immense eagle which sailed backwards and
forwards, every now and then descending
upon the poor wretch and striking him with
its powerful talons. AYhen we were seen the
poor fellow cried to us in piteous terms to
save him. This, however, was impossible.
The old chief was immovable, so we were
compelled to ride on, and leave him to his
fate. Another and another tree contained
the corrupting corpses of men who had shared
similar fates. These things made mo look
upon the governor of the gold-mines with
feelings of distrust, and I began to regret
that I was so completely in the power of such
a cruel despot.

Now we reached a broad river, nearly half
a mile wide, formed by the confluence of all
the mountain streams. The river was deep
and rapid, and sometimes its passage was

AdventiLves in Neiv Guinea. 119

exceedingly dangerous. It was crossed by
means of rough planking laid upon inflated
skins, which were kept supplied by proper
persons appointed to take care of them. As
the planking was not more than three feet
wide, and had no protection on either side,
the crossing was no pleasant undertaking,
especially as the planks jumped up and down
under our feet as if they were elastic. They
were also deflected by the strong current
that was running, so that they formed almost
a semicircle whose extreme points were
resting on either bank.

Here we all dismounted, and, handing our
ponies to the guards, proceeded to walk over
the narrow crossing. The ponies, after their
bridles had been tied to a long rope, were
plunged into the Avater, one of the guards
swimming in front of them, and leading them.
They accomplished the crossing with some
difficulty, and came safe to the other side.

120 Adventtires in New Guinea,

CHAPTER XIV.

After crossing tlie river, whicli is called
Irfak, we proceeded in a northerly direction,
and arrived in about an hour and a half at
the mining country. I had expected to see
tents and windlasses, with all the parapher-
nalia of a digging life, to which I had been
accustomed in Australia, and was therefore
disappointed to see no such indication at
Watara, for so was the whole of the gold-
bearing region called. For miles the country
was covered with men in the dress of the
common Orangwoks, only dirtier, who were
engaged in the work of procuring gold. We
hardly stopped, but pushed on rapidly until
we reached the town of Watara. This was
the place where most of the miners lived.
Here they had their houses, such of them, at
least, as possessed houses ; here, at any rate,
most of them lived. Watdrd, named after
the gold-bearing country, was a large town,
the largest, indeed, in the kingdom of
Orangwok. There were fully 10,000 miners

Adventures in Neiv Gtnnea. 121

living here, and quite 3000 women and
children, besides the governor's staff of
guards, by which order was duly maintained.
Altogether, the population could not be much
less than 15,000.

The first night was spent in the governor's
quarters, and on the next day, the old chief
took me with him on a tour of inspection
over the digging country. It is unnecessary
to describe this country, farther than by
saying that it consisted of hills and valleys,
and was evidently formed by some volcanic
eruption. The gold was found principally in
the valleys, and on the sides of the hills. It
was picked out of the surface to a depth of
two or three feet. There had been no attempt
to sink holes — no attempt to wash the soil.
This at once showed me that there was a
capital field for the exercise of the knowledge-
I had gained on the Australian diggings. , I
remarked this to my companion, who had
never opened his lips since we had left his
camp, or quarters.

" It will be well for you, if it is as you say.
Words should not be like the wind."

This was said in an ominous tone of voice,
and did not restore my confidence in the old
tyrant. I said no more, but on reaching the
quarters of the governor, said, —

122 Adventures in Nezv Guinea.

" Give me wood and tools, and I will prove
mj words."

I had resolved to make a " Ions: Tom,"
such as I had seen in Victoria.

On the hills we had visited, the men were
picking out gold nuggets of various sizes — ■
the small gold was entirely lost. I saw that
the soil which was thus thrown aside, was
full of fine gold-dust, not that I could actually
see the gold in the earth, but I knew from
my knowledge of gold-digging that such was
the case, that where there were such rough
pieces there would be plenty of fine gold.
Hence my idea of the " long Tom," for I
proposed to carry this earth and wash it in
the river below, by means of the apparatus I
was making. Several rough pieces of wood
were brought, by some assistants, placed at
my disposal, and, with the help of the flint
tools, I succeeded in knocking up a " long
Tom" composed of three compartments, and
having a fine sieve made of twisted grass or
hemp. The old chief came every day to look
at my work; so, too, did my young friend,
the officer of the troop, and he gave me a
hint that the former was by no means too
well affected towards me.

"However," he said, "your life is quite
safe, for he would not dare to harm you if

Adventures in New Guinea. 123

you are successful in your undertaking, as I
am sure you ^yill be."

" And how long must I remain here," I
asked, " if I succeed in what I have promised
to do ? "

*' That depends, to some extent, upon the
governor. You see he can send what report
he likes about you, and if it suits him to keep
you here, he may endeavour to do so. Have
you any friends in K'ootar ? "

" Yes, old Kayhar is my friend." The
name of Lamlam was on my lips.

" Well, his influence may be of use to you
some day, so do not despair, even if the
governor should turn out to be unfavourable
to you."

After my " long Tom " was finished, I ex-
plained to my young friend how it was intended
to act. He understood at once, and took as
much interest as myself in proving the success
of my scheme. The day following the " long
Tom " was carried by half-a-dozen Orangwoks
to the river under the hill, where much sur-
face-gold was being obtained. At eight
o'clock I informed the governor that all was
ready, and begged him to be present. Lanna
and several other of the officials also came to
watch the proceedings. I had placed the
** long Tom " on the bank, under a slight fall

124 Adventures in New Guinea.

of water, wliicli I had diverted by means of a
bark trough into the " Tom " itself. I was
thus able to keep a steady current running
continually through the " Tom." Several
skins full of the most likely-looking earth,
from a spot which I had seen rich in nuggets,
were procured and were thrown into the
upper compartment, which was about six feet
long, and divided from the lower by a ridge
of six or eif^ht inches hio^h. I continued to
puddle this earth until all the clay had been
washed away, and nothing but sand and
stones remained. Another supply of earth
was brought and treated in the same way,
and still another, until I thought that I had
had sufficient to give me a very good chance.
I now turned the water off and began to pick
out the stones. They were all washed per-
fectly clean, and as I tossed them out, the
governor and my young friend standing close
by my side, watching intently every operation,
I scanned them carelessly, not expecting to
find a nugget in the upper compartment.
How great was my surprise and pleasure,
therefore, to see a large lump of gold lying
among the stones, perfectly bright. I seized
it eagerly, and handed it to the old chief, who
clutched the valuable mass most greedily. It
weighed a pound and a half, I should say.

Adventures in New Guinea. 125

After this every stone was examined with
care before it was thrown away; but no
farther discovery was made. This one find,
however, excited my highest hopes, and I
now proceeded to wash out the fine sand
which had collected in the other compart-
ments. As the water carried off every suc-
cessive coating of sand, and the layer of each
compartment became smaller, I could see
occasional gleams of gold, which warned me
to proceed with greater caution ; so I now
turned off the water a second time, and
drawing the attention of the governor and
his officials to my movements, drew out the
first plug, and scraped all the glittering sand,
which was mixed with good coarse gold, into
a stone dish. The old chief bent over the
" long Tom " eagerly, as he saw that the sand
was only a thin coating lying on a basis of
gold. After repeating this process in the
other compartments, and scraping from each
one a large quantity of fine gold, I took the
dish to the river-side, and washed off the sand
very carefully, still watched by the eager
eyes of all the officials. At last, to my own
surprise and delight, I found that I had
about two pounds of fine gold remaining in
the dish, which I handed to the governor for
inspection. He was amazed at the result,

126 Adventures in New Guinea.

and could not trust the evidence of his senses.
He required me to wash out some more soil,
which I did, he superintending the collection
of every skinful of earth, to see that no gold
was intentionally mixed with it. Again the
same process, and again a similar result, only
this time there was no nugget among the
stones, and a smaller quantity of gold in the
" Tom." I explained to him that the quantity
of gold would differ at times, as the yield de-
pended entirely upon the quality of the soil
for gold-producing purposes ; but that what-
ever of fine gold the earth contained was
collected in the manner that I had shown
him. He was satisfied with the result, and
was now exceedingly civil to me, asking me
to dine with him, which I was glad to do, as
it was now noon and I was very hungry.

The old chief kept a good table, as we
Europeans would say, and had fowl, fish,
yams, and rice laid before me (for he did not
dine himself). He gave me also plenty of
eu to drink. His present kindness relieved
my mind of some of the anxieties which the
young officer's words had aroused within me,
and towards evening my friend reassured rae
completely by saying, —

" You are quite safe now. I shall report
all that you have done to the king and to

Adventures in New Guinea . 1 2 7

your friends. Your services are too valuable
to be lost."

In a few weeks Lanna was required to
start for K'ootar in charge of a quantity of
gold which was ready for transmission, so he
came to me to become the bearer of any
message I wished to send, and to bid me
good-bye. It occurred to me to write a few
words to Lamlam, hoping that she might be
able to read them, or at least tliat she might
learn to spell them out. After writing a few
lines, I asked him to deliver the bamboo in
which I had deposited the paper to Lamlam,
and bade him good-bye. "With a word of
warning in my ear he was gone.

I2S Adventures in New Guinea,

CHAPTER XY.

As ifc is not my intention to give a full
account of my digging experience, I shall
here say that I remained nearly five mono-
tonous years at "Watani, and might have been
there to this day had it not been for the
energy and affection of my friends. The
digging life was not by any means a desirable
one. The miners spent all they earned in
gambling (strange how this vice exists as
much among savages as in the midst of the
highest civilization !), and lived generally a
miserable life, brawling and fighting. The
governor, as this tended to the increase of
his power, did not discourage this state of
things, so that very few of those who came
to the mines ever returned again to K'ootar.
They could do so, on their obtaining a
certain amount of gold, proportioned to the
crime which they had committed, but not
otherwise. As the men got accustomed to
the reckless life of Watard, they lost all
desire to return, and the great majority spent

Adventures in New Guinea. 129

tlie remainder of their days in this territory.
Some of tbem committed further crimes,
viz. hid or stole the king's gold. In this
case, if thoy were convicted, most terrible
was the fate which awaited them. They
were exposed in trees, sometimes being
allowed to starve to death ; at others, being
regularly fed, and kept alive to be the prey
of snakes and birds. If any one attempted
to recover his liberty by escaping, he simply
lost his life ; either he was starved upon
the mountain range, or he was destroyed in
the terrible valley of the serpents. The
monotony of the hfe at AYatara was broken
occasionally by an overflow of the Irfak, the
river that I have mentioned, or by an out-
break of the nearest volcanic mountain. I
had an experience of each of these while I
was at Watard. But to resume, I was at
first constantly employed in directing the
making of "long Toms" and cradles, as it
had been resolved to bring them into general
use. Further, I taught the miners to s'nih
holes, in order to obtain the precious metal,
and I was fortunate enough to be successful
in my first shaft. This success improved
my position immensely, and brought me into
still greater favour with the old chieftain.
The country was exceedingly rich in the

K

1 30 Adventures in N'eiv Gtiinea.

precious ore. It was found in every direction,
and in large quantities. I have picked
after a heavy fall of rain, a piece of ^icL
from the surface weighing, I am certain, fifty
pounds. One day I was sitting upon a piece
of quartz cropping above the surface; this
stone had been used for a resting-place for
months ; on this occasion I began to beat it
with my flint hammer, and a large piece of
the reef flew off, exposing a mass of gold
embedded in the quartz. Here was a new
field for my operations, so, breaking off a
large lump of the rock, which was spotted
with gold, I took it to the governor, and
showed it to him, explaining the difficulty of
obtaining the gold from the stone, but asking
his permission to try (which was readily
granted). I got several pieces of quartz,
veined thickly with gold, and tried to break
them to small grains. After destroying
several flint hammers in my attempts, I
found I had made very little progress ; so,
resolving to try the effects of fire, I put the
quartz into a kiln, heated to a great degree
of heat, and kept this fire up for several
days, as I had known men engaged in burn-
ing limestone do. "When I found the quartz
was pulverized, and the gold melted, I let
the fire go out, and I obtained several pounds

Adventures in New Guinea. 131

of gold from the cold aslics. All this, of
^e, took time, yet the life I lived was
riiL/. Dnoiis enough, except when it was
varied by a fishing or a hunting expedition,
which was rather frequent, as there were
abundance of fish in the Irfak, and we were
dependent upon the river and the forest for
a large portion of our food supply. Rice
was grown, and yams, and other vegetables
were plentiful, besides such fruits as are
common to tropical climates — cocoa-nuts,
dates, and raisins. The first year of my stay
at Watdrd I had been appointed, by the
governor, overseer of all the mines, and a
part of my duty, in this capacity, was to
receive and account for all gold that was
procured. I was in the habit of keeping
memoranda for my own pleasure of the gold
that was collected from the mines. I men-
tion this as it was of use to me afterwards.
About the middle of the second year I was
displaced from my position, which was taken
by one of the governor's own creatures, and
I myself was put to employment of a less
responsible character. I understood this
change to mean that I was no longer in the
governor's favour, although how I had
offended him I do not know. At the end of
two years, a little incident occurred which
K 2

I ".2

Adventiwes in New Guinea.

gave me much pleasure. The officer in
command of one of the troops, arriving from
K'ootar, brought me a neat head-dress, which
had been committed to his care by old
Kayhar, the chief. It was to be given into
my own hands, he said. I felt that I owed
this little attention to Lamlam, and was
greatly pleased by it. Another two years
passed away, making four years of banish-
ment from K'ootar. I knew now that I was
nnder the displeasure of the governor, yet
did not know the reason. During these two
latter years, several events occurred to break
in upon the dull routine of our life ; one
was an eruption of the volcano on one of
the spurs of Tannavorkoo. For some days
before the eruption, the atmosphere was dull
and heavy, and towards evening the sky
became lurid and dark, blotting out the stars.
Soon after we saw the bright flames shoot up
to the height of several hundred feet from
the crater. This was repeated many times,
for several days after which the crater began
to discharge its molten flood, which ran for
miles over the country, doing a vast amount
of injury, and causing the loss of many lives.
A great panic fell upon the population of
AVatdrii, as the lava threatened to reach the
town itself. Shortly after this event, the

Advcnhircs in N'ezv Gninea. 133

overflow of the Irfak occurred, wliicli
threatened to destroy the town. As I have
mentioned before, the Irfak is formed by a
confluence of many tributary streams, and
attains a considerable width almost as soon
as it issues from the mountain. It is thus
exposed to sudden overflows, some of thera
of a dangerous nature, for whenever ihe
snow begins to melt, the torrents run down
the sides of the great water-shed, and,
rushing into the channel of the Irfak, over-
flow its banks for fully a mile and a half.
The river is thus only crossable with safety
at certain times. These risings can rarely
be anticipated. The one to which I now
refer came on after a week's heavy rain,
followed by a sudden burst of heat. Some
of the experienced miners watched the signs
w^itli anxiety, and warned their companions
of the dano;er of an overflow. As we were
fully twelve miles from the river, we paid too
little attention to these warnings, and went
to our beds as usual. In the middle of the
night I was awakened by a dull, heavy roar,
like the rolling of weaves upon a distant
shore. As the noise continued, I sat up to
listen, and could hear distinctly a loud,
roaring noise approaching. Immediately I
thought of the warnings which had been

134 Adventtires in New Guinea,

uttered about tlie overflow of tlie river, and,
springing from my bed, ran outside. It was
a clear, moonlight night, most fortunately.
Others had been aroused, and a large crowd
was in the street; some ran backwards and
forwards, crying out that the spirit of Tan-
navorkoo was coming; others stood, like
myself, watching the southern approaches to
the city. There was no time to escape, for
I had heard that a flood travels swifter than a
horse could gallop. The governor's troop,
however, were ordered out, and directed to
escape to the high hills, ten miles beyond
Watiird. All this had occurred in less than
fifteen minutes, so at least I should think,
for I could not take any note of time under
such circumstances. "We saw now the long,
dark wall of advancing water, coming on
with a dull, but deafening roar. Every
person escaped to the upper stories of the
houses. The highest houses were filled with
the poor creatures seeking refuge. AVhen the
column of water, which was about six feet
high, struck the first row of houses, there
was a great crash, and the enemy was upon
us, sweeping through the streets, and carry-
ing away everything in its fierce flow. Few
lives comparatively were lost ; not more
than a hundred and fifty persons were

Adve7itnres in Neiv Guinea. 135

drowned, and these would not have been
sacrificed if they had not insisted upon trying
to save their property from the rushing flood.
There had been several previous overflows,
but this was the w^orst that had been ever
experienced. It occasioned a great loss of
property, and all mining was suspended for
a long time. This overflow took place in the
third year of my captivity, and, following
close upon the eruption of the volcano,
quickened my desire to escape.

I have mentioned the fact that we some-
times went upon hunting expeditions. With
the account of one such expedition, which
was the most strange that I have ever heard
of, I will conclude this portion of my adven-
tures in Wiitdrd.

The governor punished his criminals, as
has been noted, by chaining them in high
trees, near the valley of the boa-constrictors,
leaving them generally to die of starvation
and fear, or from the attacks of snakes and
eagles. These terrible punishments were of
frequent occurrence, for the Orangwoks have
no sense of the value of life, nor have they any
sympathy with human suffering. One ele-
ment in the sufferings of these poor captives,
was the fear that the dreaded serpent of the
valley would come forth and attack them,

136 Adventures in N'ew Guinea.

winding its terrible coils around tlie body,
and crushing the trembling wretch to death.
None had been ever known to leave this
valley until the occasion now referred to.
Word was brought that an immense boa had
escaped from the pass, and had travelled
down a distance of ten miles toward Watara,
drawn, as was supposed, by the presence of
the criminals in the trees. Whatever was
the cause, here was one of these huge reptiles
on tlie high road, and it might at any time
come on to Watara itself. So it was resolved
to form a hunting party, and attack the
beast. Many a brave heart quailed at the
idea, but a large party was formed, of which
I was one, well armed with spears, swords,
and bows and arrows. This forlorn hope
was followed by a numerous army of be-
holders, ready to assist, in the event of the
reptile being killed by us, and equally
ready to run away in the event of his
being victorious. We started from Watara
about eight o'clock, hoping to arrive at the
object of our foray about ten or eleven
o'clock, and to catch him taking his midday
nap. After crossing the Irfak, we turned
into the highway, and proceeded with great
caution, for the monster might have already
made a nearer approach to the town. In
about half an hour we halted, and resolved

AdvenUircs in N'civ Guinea. 137

to send out a couple of scouts. As there
was some hesitation about vohmteers, I
offered to become one, and was accepted.

The reader may be sure that I moved on
with great care, scanning narrowly every
tree, and examining every bush lest our
enemy might lie concealed in it. In an-
other half-hour, we reached a high tree,
where criminals were frequently chained.
Its limbs, which spread out in all directions,
were of a straggling nature. After slightly
glancing at its stem, and its branches, we
prepared to ride on under the tree; but my
little pony beginning to tremble and snort, I
w^arned my companion that there was some-
thing near.

" It is the skeletons," he said ; '' the pony
is afraid to pass the bones of men."

There seemed to bo reason in this, so I
tried to force her gently past the tree. Again
she snorted, and ran back, trembling
violently. I could not understand this, and
looked up again to the tree, to examine it
more carefully. As I did so, I met the eyes
of the terrible serpent fixed upon me, not
more tlian ten feet above my head. It was
approaching me with subtle movements. I
thought of the stories I had heard of snakes
fascinating those who came within reach of
them, and began to feel that I was lost.

o

8 Adventures in New Guinea,

Mj pony too could not move, and the brute's
head was swinging itself nearer to me. His
neck and head were hanging from a high
branch, and looked for all the world like a
loose limb hanging from the upper part of
the tree, his folds being hidden in the midst
of the green leaves.

As the serpent oscillated to and fro, it
found that it had not sufficient lenorth of
neck to reach either myself or the pony, and
began therefore to shake out a reef, as we
sailors would say. This action disturbed
the leaves, and shook them down in dozens
to the ground. My companion, now seeing
my condition, came to my help, catching
hold of the pony's head, and leading her
beyond the snake's influence. I had felt
paralyzed, and should, I fear, have perished,
had it not been for the assistance of my
companion. We now rode back to the troop,
and informed them of our discovery. All at
once pressed on to attack the monster. On
our return he was coiled around the upper
limbs of the tree, beyond our reach — an
immense brute. The Orangwoks kept at a
respectful distance from the enemy, who took
no further notice than that of fixing his
keen, bright-looking eyes upon us. I confess,
after my late experience, I did not care to

Adventtires in New Gtunea. 139

get into too close quarters. The thing was
beyond our reach ; what was to be done ?
We could not watch here until it came down.
Could we not get it down by stratagem?
This was suggested, on which it was resolved
to tie an old pony under the tree, in sight of
the boa. I commiserated the fate of the un-
fortunate pony. Not so the Orangwoks,
they had no sympathy with pain or suffering
in any form. One of the followers who was
at a distance was compelled to dismount, and
give up his little horse to the officer in com-
mand of the troop. She was then led under
the tree and tied to its stem by one of the
volunteers.

This being done, we waited with our spears
couched. Several of our number had been
using their arrows, but without success, as
the folds of the reptile were well concealed
in the leaves, and those who shot at him
were not good marksmen. Presently we saw
the beast uncoiling itself, and swinging his
head and neck towards the place occupied by
the pony, who now began to snort and
tremble greatly. After an unsuccessful at-
tempt to reach his victim, the boa still further
uncoiled itself, and began to descend. It was
now level with the pony's back, the poor crea-
ture being paralyzed in every limb with fear.

140 Adventures in Neiv Guinea,

We waited until it had taken several coils
around the pony, and then rushed on. I had
dismounted, distrusting, from my j)reviou3
experience, the little horse I rode. As we
all charged in upon the beast, several of
those who were mounted were carried on one
side beyond the boa, several stopped short,
and I found myself alone close upon it. I
could see its balefid eyes, and hear its
breathing, and felt a most unpleasant sensa-
tion. Nevertheless I lifted my spear and
drove it through its thick body. Before I
had time to make a second attack, the serpent
had uncoiled its head, and began to attack
me, the pony falling down upon the ground
from fright. My sensations are not to be
described. I ran back, and found myself
rapidly followed by the fearful serpent, and,
to make matters worse, the troop made off
at full speed, screaming aloud. I gave
myself over for lost; but as I had a good
start of the reptile, I did not lose heart.
There was a small stream (one of the tri-
butaries of the Irfak) directly in my path,
about twelve feet wide and four or five feet
deep. As the boa was now gaining on me
(indeed I might as well try to outrun a zebra),
I determined to take to the water. I reached
the bank as the quick strokes of the terrible
creature seemed at my back. I fancied

Adventures in New Guinea. 141

I could feel hia hofc breath upon my
neck. I sprang at once into the water, and
dived, swimming under the surface some
distance. I knew that serpents often swam
in the water, and did not therefore expect to
escape by merely getting into the stream.
The fact is, it was my only chance of escape
to dive as I did out of sight.

After I had been down fully a minute, I
raised my head, and was conscious of a loud
lashing of the water. I saw also the head
of an alligator or crocodile. " Out of the
frying-pan into the fire," I thought, strangely
enough, at such a moment, and made again
for the bank, the loud splashing continuing.
On my reaching the bank, half expecting to
find the boa waiting for me, I was surprised
to see nothing of it. On my looking towards
the water, which was beaten into foam, I
beheld a sight which transfixed me with
astonishment. The boa was engaged in
deadly conflict with a vast crocodile. Its
tail was wound round the stem of a strong
tree on the bank, and several of its folds
were coiled around the saurian reptile. I
half thought of cutting the serpent's tail,
yet, after my late experience, decided that
it was wiser to leave it alone. I have since
found that it would have been a good thing
to have cut the tail off, as it would have

142 Adventures m New Guinea.

weakened tlie serpeut considerably. I
hastened back to tlie main road, and when I
appeared my companions were astonished
to see me come back safe and whole.
They crowded round m.e while I told them
how I had escaped, and of the fight between
the crocodile and the boa. Again we deter-
mined to advance to attack the reptile, but
resolved to wait until he had swallowed his
yictim, after which, it was said, he would
sleep. Some of our company were told off
to watch, and the rest of us sheltered our-
selves from the burning heat of the tropical
sun. After he had eaten the crocodile, he
coiled himself up to sleep, and while in this
condition we attacked him, and I am thank-
ful to say, without loss of life, killed the
great brute, and cut off its wrinkled head.
The snake measured seventeen yards in
length. I do not wish to take part in
another such hunt while my life lasts. The
remembrance of this one is even now full
of painful and unpleasant sensations. We
returned to Watdrd with flying colours, and
celebrated our victory with the beating of
drums. I was the hero of the day, and was
held in greater honour by all the Orangwoks,
in consequence of the part I had taken. So
ended my boa hunt.

Adventures in Nezu Guinea. 143

CHAPTER XVI.

In my recontre wltli the boa-consfcrlctor,
described in tlie last chapter, I had been
handled rather roughly, and had my clothes
torn ; my hat or cap, for it was like the head-
dress usually worn by the Orangwoks, had
been injured and ripped slightly. On my
getting back to my home, I overhauled it for
the purpose of repairing. I was unwilling that
a memento of my friends should be destroyed.
The cap was the one sent to me by Kayhar.
As I was examining it I was surprised to see
through the rip a piece of paper. Immediately
I thrust in my fingers, and pulled out a long
sheet of foolscap with writing on it. I now
recalled the fact to mind, that I had noticed
when I first received the head-dress that
it contained some substance within which
crackled as I handled it ; but I had concluded
that something had been put into the hat to
stiffen it. I spread out the paper with eager,
trembling hands, for I knew it was a com-
munication from Lamlam, and with some

144 Adventures in New Gninca.

difficulty made out tlie following words, wlilcli
sent a thrill of delight through me and raised
ray highest hopes. Of course the communica-
tion was not in English, but the following is
a fair rendering of the words : —

" Lamlam salutes her friend Tregan. Your
words came to me, 0 my friend ! niEiny moons
ago, but Lamlam could not hear them,
because she was without knowledge. But the
friendship " (a better word would, I think,
be love) "which she has for Tregan made her
hearken diligently " (try to learn), " and now
the words of Tregan have spoken to her, and
have made her heart glad. 0 my friend !
Lamlam would like to look upon your face.'
She never forgets the morning that Tregan
went to the hills. My father, Kayliar, has
been raised to the dio'uitv of the wise men,
and sits in the dark room. He is Trdsfan's
friend, and now the king has consented that
you, 0 my friend ! shall return to K'ootar.
An order from the king to the governor is
taken by the troops. In another moon
Lamlam will look upon the face of Tregan
and will be glad. Farewell ! "

Alternate feelings occupied my mind on
reading this document. It had been written
two years ago, and yet I was at Watara,
having never heard one word of any order

Adventures in Neiu Guinea. 145

that I was to return to K 'ootar. I was con-
strained to feel that I was in the pow^r of the
old tyrant, who was keeping me here for some
reasons of his own.

Poor little Lamlam ! Two years had she
been waiting to look npon my face, and had
waited in yam. I was now no nearer to
K'ootar than when she wrote. On a careful
consideration of all the circumstances of my
position, I came to the conclusion that the
old chief had some strong motive for wishing
to keep me at Watara, and that I could only
escape by proceeding with great care and
caution. He had at his command two
thousand soldiers, and could, if he occupied
the Monakim passes, make himself entirely
free of K'ootar. Whether such was his in-
tention I could not say, yet the thought
occurred to mo as I deliberated on these
circumstances.

If the king had sent an order for my release,
and I could not doubt that he had, it seemed
very much like an act of rebellion that I was
still kept by the old chief in captivity ; and I
knew that if he felt it to be necessary to his
own safety that I should be made away with,
he would not hesitate a moment about sacri-
ficing my life. This resolved me to act with
the utmost caution. My first step was to

L

146 AdvetitiLres in New Guinea^

write a letter to Lamlam explaining my
position, but how was I to send this com-
munication? I had for tbe last two years
been kept out of the way of the escort on one
pretence or another, and, moreover, could not
ask one of the officers in command to take
my communication for me without the old
chief's consent, which I felt would not be
given. I resorted to the following strata-
gem : — First, I obtained the governor's con-
sent to my sending a small present to Kayhar
in token of my appreciation of his past kind-
ness to me. I then, with great difficulty,
divided a gold nugget into two pieces, and,
filing out the inside, made room for a short
letter, which I then squeezed in, afterwards
fastening the two sides of the nugget with a
kind of cement. This done, the gold looked
as natural as if it had just been washed out
of the " long Tom." It was, however, only
a matter of time for the cement to dissolve
and the pieces to separate, on which my letter
would appear. I now rubbed and polished
the gold as for an ornament, and, putting it
into a piece of bamboo, took it to the governor.
After examining it closely, he allowed me, in
his presence, to give this to the officer in
command of '(h^ troop. When the escort had
passed out of the town on their return to

Adventm'es in New Guinea. i.|7

K'ootar, I began to breathe more freely, and
to hope that my ruse would bring me freedom.
I determined, however, that I would not
depend upon one shot, that I would try again
and again.

Thus several months passed, and I heard
nothing-more from K'ootar ; foralthough Iliad
determined to be on the look-out, yet I was
generally out of the way when the escort
arrived and departed. After about four months
had elapsed I was sent away as usual to a
distant part of Watara ; but feehng sure that
some communication would arrive, I resolved
to return and visib the escort's quarters. This
I did in the night-time. The first person I
spoke to was Lanna, my old friend, who was
overjoyed to see me. After some mutual
inquiries of a personal nature, I explained to
him my position, and gave expression to my
fear that I had not been treated fairly by the
governor. Lanna seemed to feel the gravity
of the communication I had made to him,
and confirmed my fears by saying that he had
also understood that an order for my release
had been sent to the governor two years ago ;
but he had been further told that I had
preferred to stay at the gold territory, and
as this was a common experience, nobody was
surprised at it, although he said some of my
L 2

148 Adventtwes in Neiv Guinea.

friends, especially those who had interested
themselves in my favour, -were very much
grieved at my decision.

I now explained to him that I was acting
in disobedience to my instructions in return-
ing to the town, and prayed him not to
mention the fact of my visit to his quarters.
This he readily promised to do, and also said
he would render me any assistance which lay
in his power.

" What can be the governor's reasons ? '*
he asked. " Have you offended him ? "

"Not in any way that I am aware of."

'' The gold-yield has fallen off very much
latterly, that may be the reason," he added.

" Fallen off — impossible ! " I exclaimed ;
"it was never so large."

" Tregan, be careful what charges you
make," he replied, standing up. " I am your
friend and will not, therefore, take any notice
of your rash words. Yet, do not repeat them,
for it would subject you to a terrible death,
to make such a charge as your words imply
ag^ainst a chief."

" Lanna, my friend, I do not care. I repeat,
the mines never yielded so much as they have
done these last two years. Even the year of
the flood the yield was greater than on the
previous years. I kept an account of all gold

Adventures in Netv Gtmiea. 149

received for some time, and know pretty
correctly what was raised out of the eartli."

Lanna became very serious and thoughtf id
at this, and at last, after deliberating for a
time said : — •

'* You say you kept an account of the gold
returns for a year. Have you that account ?
Let me see it."

"It is at my house, but I remember the
amount ; " and I told him.

He was struck with amazement, and said
in a subdued voice, not more than two-thirds
of that amount ever reached the king's
treasury.

*' Tregan, there is something wrong, and
I see now the reason of your being kept here.
I will deliver you. But do you leave me and
return to your post. Come to me again in
seven days, and I will advise you what I have
resolved upon. We must proceed with cau-
tion, for the governor is powerful ; yet the
king shall not be robbed of his own."

I returned to my post twenty miles beyond
"Watara, and waited anxiously for the week to
pass. At the end of that time I again met
Lanna at the place appointed, which was out-
side of the town, lest our movements should
be watched. He had decided to take me back
to K'ootar on his own authority, " but," he

150 Adventures in New Guinea.

said, " you must yourself join us beyond tlie
Irfak, near tlie valley of tlie serpents. I
leave Watdni in two days."

After lie had undertaken to obtain my
papers for me and my Bible — the only book
I had, for I had left the " Pilo:rini's Proo-ress "
with Lamlam — we separated.

I was now greatly excited, and in high
hopes that I should return to K'ootar. I in-
dulged in agreeable visions of the future, and
saw myself at one time a great chief in the
kingdom of Tannavorkoo ; at another, return-
ing to my home laden with wealth and fame.

On the third day I sent my men to another
part of Watara, directing them to remain there
several days, and I myself rode on to the Irfak.
I reached it before nightfall ; as I had had
to make a wide detour in order to avoid those
engaged in digging operations — even as it
was I was seen by several of the miners.
After crossing the Irfak I rode quickly to the
serpent valley, which I reached before the sun
had set, and took a farewell look at the
terrible opening. One of the troop was wait-
ino; for me accordinfy to ao^reement, the others
having gone on through the narrow pass.
My guide showed me the concealed entrance,
and led the way through it. Lanna and his
troop were waiting on the other side, on the

Adventures in New Gtiinea. 151

large plain of wliich I spoke in my account of
the descent from tlic mountain. It was
resolved to lialt here for the night, and to
proceed before dawn towards Tannavorkoo.
I should not feel at my ease until I had
placed the mountain between Watara and
myself. The cold was intense, and the narrow
paths were slippery and dangerous. We,
however, passed over to K'ootar without any
accident worth noticino'. The rottino- remains
of criminals were still hanging in the high
trees by the roadside, and great birds soared
about over the revolting spectacle. When
we arrived at a certain point in our descent,
K'ootar stood out before us, distant about
fifty miles. Several other towns could also
be seen, and as the weather on the plain was
about equal to spring-time in France, we had
a very agreeable view of everything. The
numerous forests, dotting the vast plateau
like so many parks, while here and there, as
if between the rifts of clouds, were towns
and cultivated land, making an agreeable
diversity. We were at this point too far
down to see the lake on the lower level.
We were glad to reach the plateau, as the
cold on Tannavorkoo was very great, and
the keen wind swept up its sides, increasing
our discomfort considerably.

152 Advenhires in Neiv Guinea.

Next day we sliould be at K'ootar, and I
felt some amount of trepidation and excite-
ment in tlie thought that I should see
Lamlam and Kayhar again after the lapse of
so many years. We rose in haste early the
next morning, and lost no time before reach-
ing the gates of K'ootar. This Ave did about
three o'clock in the afternoon. A great
change was evident. People laughed and
talked without restraint, turning and staring
at us in good homely style.

"What was the meaning of all this?

Adventures in New Guinea, 15.1

CHAPTER XVII.

The king had gone to his winter residence in
the plain, and many of his nobles or chiefs
had gone with him, hence the great change
which I had seen in the people's behaviour.
They were not under the same constraint as
formerly. We rode on through the main
street to the treasury, to deposit the gold
which we escorted. Lanna then invited me
to his home, to remain until further arrange-
ments had been made respecting me. A
number of chiefs crowded round us eagerly
welcoming me back to K'ootar, and inviting
me to stay at their houses. As I had already
accepted the invitation of Lanna, I firmly
declined all other invitations for the present,
and departed with my friend. I was eager
to call upon Kayhar, and may as well confess
that I was no less eager to look upon the
face of Lamlam. In explanation of this, let
it be remembered that human sympathy is
always dear to man, and especially under such

154 Adventures in Nciv Gtnnea.

circumstances as those in wliicli I was placGcl.
BcsideSj Lanilam was not black by any means,
she was fairer than any of the Orangwoks,
and they were usually of a dark olive com-
plexion. She was also intelligent, and
possessed of such gentle kindness. I owed
my liberty to her and her father, and had
thought continually of her kindness for the
last four or five months. Let those who feel
inclined to condemn my feelings towards
Lamlam, just place themselves in my position,
an outcast from all civilized life, and their
judgment will, I am sure, be greatly modified.
So soon as I could do so, I asked my
friend's permission to visit Kayhar, and this
being granted, hurried with a beating heart
towards his house. As I neared its entrance,
I looked up eagerly for the signs of Lamlam's
presence, for she would be aware by this time
that I had returned. I saw none, and felt
disappointed. I reached the door and found
the matting drawn down firmly, and could
obtain no admission. I could not understand
this, and was much chagrined. It was a great
blow to my hopes and anticipations. I returned
to Lanna cast down and heavy at heart. He
was absent, but on his return all was ex-
plained. The king was en the lower level,
and with him were his wise men, the iloo, of

Adventures in New Gtiinca. 155

wliom Kayliar was one. All was explained
now, and I felt my spirits rise again.

Next day, after a consultation with tlio
principal chief in K'ootar, who compared my
account of the gold received by me during
the first year of my residence at Watdrd with
the amount received at the king's treasury,
it was resolved that I should be sent on to the
king and his wise men for examination. The
matter was very serious, as the deficiency on
that year was fully a third of the amount
of the gold actually raised. I was nothing
loth at this decision, and expressed my
willingness to depart at once. On the second
day, early in the morning, we entered the
great plain, and found the atmos]3here most
pleasant and agreeable ; for although it was
now mid-winter, yet on the lower country
the cold was like the warm spring weather
which one experiences in Australia or the
south of France. The king's palace, for his
house might be called by such a name, was
in a beautiful situation, and was surrounded
by houses for his wise men, and guard-houses
for his troops. The lake was distant about
two miles, and was covered, at this season,
with elegantly-shaped canoes, ornamented at
the stern and stem with ivory and gold,
elaborately worked and surmounted by gor-

156 AdventtLves in Nciv Guinea.

geously-coloured featbers. To witness the
movement of a fleet of these canoes is a very
pleasing sight, and charms one with a sense
of elegance and refinement which one does
not expect to find so far from European
civilization.

While the ofiicer who had accompanied
Lanna and myself went to make his report, I
was, under Lanna's guidance, able to visit
Kayhar's house. We had no difficulty in
finding it, and I approached it with such
feelings as I had before experienced.

Kayhar was at home, and was about to
leave for a consultation with the wise men.
He had just been summoned to a council.
He was affected to tears when he saw me,
and took me by the hand, English fashion,
to welcome me. Lamlam had received my pre-
sent and had discovered the letter. She had
not been well, but was now looking better,
and would rejoice to look upon me again.
At present she was at the lake. " Our iioo
will not break up until the sun is down,
Tregan can then come to me," and the old
chief left us. Lanna and I resolved to
walk to the lake side, to see the Orangwoks
in their canoes. I, however, had another
reason. On our reaching the shore we sat
down u23on a rock overlooking the inland

Adventures in New Gninea. 157

sea, and looked over its surface, which was
dotted with many large canoes moving about
gracefully, like so many vast swans. Lanna
here began to rally me about the old chief's
daughter, and said, " You will have to adopt
our customs if you take her for a wife."

" What customs, my friend ? "

" You must become brown like us," point-
ing to his own dark skin, " and dress like
an Orangwok."

I had never given up wearing my sailor's
" ducks," but had on the last remaining
pair, which were in a dilapidated condition.

" I shall have to do so directly," I replied,
smiling, "for I have no more European
clothes to wear. What other customs must
I adopt?"

" You must worship Otaroo," he added,
lowering his voice and turning his face from
the sun.

" That I could not do," I said, " I am a
Christian, and worship the God avIio made
the sun."

*' Explain to me, my friend, for I have
often thought of your words on the Tanna-
vorkoo."

So I endeavoured to explain as well as I
could, promising to read to him from my
book if he would allow me. I was a little

158 Adventures in Neiv Gtiinea.

depressed by this conversation with Lanna,
although I hardly knew why. As we rose
up from our seats a canoe glided in to the
shore, and my friend, catching my arnijSaidj —

" Hush, there is Lamlam."

My heart sent all its blood to my face as
I looked and saw the graceful form of
Lamlam springing from the canoe. She
was followed by her mother and several
other women. I did not care to go forward
to speak to them, for I felt all power passing
from my body, and in spite of my friend's
lively sallies, as I had not been seen, I
moved, away, and began to return to the
palace. I knew that at least in an hour or
so I should see my friends, and speak to
them. I went back to Kayhar's, and
remained waiting for his return. As I sat
meditating about the strange events and
changes in my life, and thinking fondly of
Lamlam, the matting entrance was drawn
aside, and she entered the room. On seeing
me her colour, yes, her colour changed, and
she turned back, only for an instant, however,
as in the next moment she rushed forward,
and I received her into my arms, kissing
her repeatedly. " Oh ! Tregan, my friend,
my heart is glad, welcome back to Lamlam ! "

I confess I never felt so happy in all my

Adventures in Nezv G^tinea. 159

life. A new and indescribable sensation
came over me. We bad miicb to say to
each otber. I found tbat sbe bad patiently
devoted berself to study tbo letters and
words I bad written out for ber, and tbat
on receiving my first letter sbe bad begun
to learn bow to combine tbe letters wbose
sounds I bad taugbt ber. It was won-
derful to me tbat sbe bad been able to
pick it all up so quickly, for I remember
tbat wben I bad received some lessons in
sbortband, it bad taken me many weeks to
learn tbe signs and tbeir sounds, leaving out
tbeir various combinations.

On Kaybar's return, I was informed tbat
tbe next morning I was to be presented to
tbe king, and was furtber to tell my story.

So next day I was presented, if sucb a
term can describe my attitude before a
savage king or cbief, for I lay on my
stomacb before bim, wbile be, tbrougb bis
chiefs, questioned me about AVatara and its
gold-mines. Wben I told bim of tbe vast
quantities of gold and bow it was wasbed
out of tbe soil, tbere was a subdued murmur
of amazement from all tbe cbiefs and tbeir
wives, wbo were present. Astonishment and
indignation filled tbe breasts of all, tbe king
included, wben my story was concluded. It

i6o Adventures in New Guinea,

was evident that tlie governor was a traitor
and a rebel, that he had been plundering the
king's treasury, and it was resolved at the
meetinq; of the iioo that he should be
punished by being suspended on a tree.
One old experienced warrior advised that a
troop of horse should be despatched at once to
hold the mountain passes. This sage advice
was overruled, as it was now mid-winter. It
was therefore resolved that any undertaking
should be delayed until the winter was over,
and that the fact of my return to K'ootar
should be carefully concealed. Directions to
this effect were given, and I was authorized
to remain at the winter palace until the
expedition was ready to start. In the mean-
time I had determined to ask Kayhar's
consent to mj marrying Lamlam, who I was
sure would not withhold her own. The old
chief expressed his pleasure and happiness,
but said that it would be necessary for me
to adopt the customs of the Orangwoks, and
that on my doing so, leave could be obtained
from the king for me to reside in K'ootar.
Without further delay I may state at once
that at a council of the wise men it was
decided that I should, on adopting the
customs of the Orangwoks, be raised to the
position of a chief of the third degree, after

Adventures in Neiv Guinea. i6i

wliicli I should be permitted to marry a
daiigliter of one of the chiefs ; but the whole
ceremony was to be deferred until the ex-
pedition against the Governor of Watara was
terminated, for I was to take part in it. I
was now anxious that there should be no
further delay, and was glad when the time
came for the king's return to the upper
plateau. This was the signal for the march
of the troops, who had been placed under
the command of the old warrior formerly
mentioned, with Lanna and myself as lieu-
tenants. It was well known that the gover-
nor would offer a considerable resistance, as
he had now boldly thrown off his allegiance
to K'ootar, and stopped the supply of gold.

Before starting scouts had been sent
forward to keep our way clear, and some of
these now returned with the alarming in-
toUigence that the mountain passes were
occupied by the rebels, and that it would be
impossible for us to cross to Watara. Every
one, now that it was too late to take
advantage of it, acknowledged the wisdom
of the old warrior's advice. We were out-
manoeuvred by the old rebel, and our case
seemed desperate, for no other approach to
Watara was known. Out of this difficulty I
was able to deliver them.

II

1 62 Adventiu'cs in New Gicinea.

CHAPTER XVIII.

The occupation of tbe niouDtain passes by
an enemy had never been anticipated by the
Orangwoks. They were now completely
perplexed by the fact that the gate to
"Watara was closed, as one of the chiefs
expressed it, and there was no other known
route, for the range of Tannavorkoo stretched
out towards the south until its heights were
lost in the far distance. I was, however,
satisfied that there was a passage round the
southern base of the mountain, and begged
permission to seek for a new road to Watara.
This permission was granted, and Lanna and
myself, accompanied by twelve hardy soldiers,
started at once in a southerly direction.
This afforded me an opportunity of seeing
the lower country and of examining tlic
nature of the animals with which it abounded.
At the end of six days' travel over the
plateau skirting the mountain we came to
the foot of the Tannavorkoo, and descended
into the pjlain below, as the sides of tho

Adventures in Neiv Guinea. 163

mountain itself were too steep to allow us
to attempt their ascent equipped as we were.
We had no sooner descended into the valley
than we found we were trespassing on the
territory of another tribe. So we halted, and
after a consultation between Lanna and
myself we determined to retrace our steps
until dark, and then, in the secrecy of the
night, to attempt to pass through the
territory of the tribe, which did not appear
to be numerous. This we did, and passed in
the dark in safety beyond the tribe's con-
fines. In half a day we reached a wide,
deep river running in a southerly direction,
which I named the Tannavorkoo. As the
volume of water was very great, I knew it
was no use following the course of the river
down to find a shallow ford, so I resolved to
plunge in and swim over. This was a
dangerous proceeding, and my companions
hesitated. I had read of soldiers swimming
broad rapid rivers, and had heard it said
that there was no danger if you could give
the horse its freedom ; so plunging into the
water I slipped off the back of the pony and
got it by the tail, leaving it otherwise free.
The little thing swam capitally, and reached
the other side in safety. My companions
were encouraged to follow my example, and

164 Adventures in New Guinea.

all camo safe to land. We had roimded the
southern point of the great mountain range !
I ]iointed out with my sword the way to
Wataia, not more than six days' journey
from us ; and we decided to continue our
survey of the country. On the third day
we sighted one of the well-known peaks of
the range — the Volcano. I drew Lanna's
attention to this landmark, and he agreed
with me that it was unnecessary to push our
examination further ; so we began to return,
and on the sixteenth day of our leaving
K'ootar we re-entered its gates, carrying the
glad tidings that a passage had been dis-
covered to Watara. A consultation of the
uoo was held, and it was concluded to
despatch an army without loss of time by
the route wliich had been opened up by
Lanna and myself. This army was in
command of the old warrior mentioned before,
but Lanna and myself were to be advanced
to the responsibility of chiefs, and share in
his command. Oar course lay over the
same country wliich we had travelled three
weeks before. It was filled with herds of
game. Elk, antelopes, buffaloes, bison,
tigers abounded. There were also numbers
of kangaroo, an Australian animal, called by
Orangwoks " dop-dop." On my pointing

Adventures in New Gtiinea. 165

these out to Lanna, and explaining that I
had seen them before, he replied, —

" I will show you something that you have
not seen."

And taking me to a thickly-foliaged tree,
he showed me the same kind of animal, only
smaller, in a bough of the tree. They were
kangaroo, and were feeding upon the leaves.
They seemed perfectly at home in the tree,
and climbed it with as much ease as opossums.
I saw many of the same kind afterwards.
The wankoo too were very numerous as we
advanced over the plateau.

We had plenty of sport, and kept ourselves
well supplied in meat. Indeed we depended
upon our hunting to supply food for our
small army — about two thousand men. This
fact, of course, reveals a weak point in the
Orangwoks' mode of warfare ; yet it must
be remembered that such an expedition as we
were undertaking was altogether unknown
to them. It was beyond all their previous
experience, and they knew not how to cope
with its difficulties. Nature, however, was
good to us, and kept us in food. We never
wanted for a meal. On the seventh day we
came to the borders of the plateau, and were
in sight of the camp or village of the savage
tribe. Our coming had not been unknown

1 66 Adventures in Neiu Gtiinea,

to them, for we were a large host, and ttey
were determined to give us battle. AVe
halted before descending to the lower level,
and endeavoured to treat with them.

Our attempts were unsuccessful, a flight
of arrows warning us that we must be careful
in approaching tliem. We spent the night
upon the high level, and prepared for battle.
A council of war, held between tiie three of
us, decided that it would be wise to descend
to tlie lower plain before sunrise, and not to
make the attempt in the face of a determined
enemy ready to dispute our passage. So at
three o'clock we began our marcli downward,
the stars our only light. The hill side was
very steep, sometimes almost precipitous;
and many a tumble occurred on our passage
down. By five o'clock we were on the lower
level, drawn up ready to charge our enemies.
They were taken by surprise at our un-
expected appearance below; nevertheless,
they came on to attack us.

Forming into three divisions we awaited
the first discharge of arrows, feeling sure
that they would pass over our beads. We
were not deceived. With a great shout the
savages twirled tlieir spears and came on.
When within a hundred yards they shot
their arrows at us, but did no harm, nearly

Adventures in New Guinea. 167

the whole of tliem passing over our heads.
No sooner had they shot their arrows at us
than we charged them with full speed, riding
in among the compact mass of negroes, with
our spears couched. But for a time they
resisted with great bravery, considering the
advantages wo had over them. In less than
half an hour they were put to flight, leaving
nearly fifty men dead upon the field of battle,
and a large number of wounded. Several of
our men were killed and a good many
injured. I escaped without hurt, although
an arrow entered my bamboo headdress, an^.
remained there until the battle was concluded.
During the conflict a great savage en-
deavoured to wrench my spear from my
hand, but I was as strong as himself, and so
successfully held my own against him. He
would have got the better of me had I not
sprung off my pony, which was a very easy
thing for me to do, for my feet were already
nearly on the ground. On reaching the
earth I drew my sword with my right hand,
while holding the spear with my left, and
made a lunge at my antagonist. He nimbly
avoided the blow, twisting the spear round
so as to receive the full force of the blow.
The spear was shivered to pieces, and the
wily negro seized upon the barbed end to use

i68 Advenhires in Neiv Guinea.

it against myself. I now found that he was
a match for me, for he made at me with great
fury. I had, however, been taught the use
of the foils, and could handle my sword as a
Frenchman ought to do ; so that, in the
end, cool skill prevailed, and I had the
satisfaction of seeing my terrible black enemy
lying at my feet in the dust.

Our victory was followed by a visit from a
chief of the Hokslii tribe, who came for the
purpose of concluding a peace, and of
granting us a passage through the tribe's
land to the Tannavorkoo river. This was a
very acceptable result, for we did not wish
to fight our way to Watard.

After coming to an understanding with
the Hokshi chieftain, we accepted his invita-
tion to remain for the rest of the day with
his tribe to witness some of the tribal
manoeuvres. It w^as strange to think how
soon our deadliest enemies, who had been
doing their best to destroy us, had in half
an hour become our warm friends, and were
doing their best to amuse us. As the usages
of civilized warfare^ were unknown among
these savages we did not relax any of our
vigilance, while we remained among the
Hokshi on friendly terms.

' Is there sucli a thing ? — Ed.

Adventures in New Ginnea. 169

The next day, as soon as the sun had risen,
we began our march towards the river,
accompanied by several of the Hokshi chiefs,
as we felt more certain that the tribe would
not attempt to attack us or intercept us as
we marched through the wooded plain, while
their chiefs were hostages in our hands.
Before reaching the Tannavorkoo river, how-
ever, we dismissed our newly-found friends,
and continued our march alone. On reaching
the river banks, where the depth and width
of the water were apparent to the Orangwoks,
there was considerable trouble in getting
them to attempt the crossing. Lanna and
myself plunged in, followed by several of the
troop which had accompanied us previously.
Others followed, until nearly one-half had
crossed. The remainder hesitated, and at
one time I was fearful that we should
leave a portion of our little squadron behind
us. Before the day closed, however, the
whole of the troop had crossed. The
difficulty of such a passage warned us that
we must lose no time in pushing on to the
Irfak, lest by our delay the rebel governor
should draw up his army to oppose our
passage over that river ; we therefore made
forced marches, our hardy little beasts
holding out capitally. I do not know what

1 70 Adventiwes in New Guinea.

European ponies to compare with tliem ;
they are so hardy, sure-footed, and fleet.
By this means, we were able to reach the
Irfak on the afternoon of the fourth day.
Finding the passage clear, we resolved at
once to cross over, and did so. At night-fall
we w^ere within fifteen miles of Watara.
During the night we despatched a trooper- to
the town to reconnoitre. He returned before
day-break, reporting that there were no
evidences of any preparation to meet ns.
We were overjoyed at our good luck. It
was as I expected ; as the mountain passes
were well guarded, the old rebel, not ex-
pecting our approach from any other side,
had made no preparation to resist an attack.
We marched as soon as our scout returned,
and before nine o'clock we were at the gates
of Watdrd. A hasty defence was thrown up
by the rebels, who were not able to concen-
trate their forces. As few of the citizens
had any sympathy with the old tyrant's
rebellious movement, we received some assist-
ance from them. But the best help they
rendered us was by keeping out of the way,
while we charged down the narrow streets,
following the retreating enemy. At every
point we were successful, for our foes lost
heart at the very outset. They had been

Adventures in New Guinea. 171

completely surprised, and tliouglit we must
have crossed the heights; they supposed,
therefore, that reinforcements would im-
mediately follow us ; that we had the whole
strength of the kingdom at our back. When
the governor fell into our hands, the struggle
at once came to an end.

The affair can only be described as a
skirmish, and only a few lives were lost,
although many more were wounded. In less
than an hour after our entrance of Watard the
rebellion had collapsed. Had it been skil-
fully conducted, no power possessed by the
king of K'ootar could have extinguished it,
and a new and rich kingdom might have
been constituted on the western side of the
Tannavorkoo.

The old rebel was forwarded at once to
K'ootar over the mountain passes, which
were opened to us, the rebel soldiers sur-
rendering. He was taken before the u66, and
having been condemned, was chained to one
of the tall trees used for the purpose of
execution. Here he died a lingering and
fearful death, thus tasting something of the
sufferings \vhich had been endured by many
others at his instance.

I 'J2 Adventures in New Guinea.

CHAPTER XIX.

I LOST no time in returning to K'ootar, bid-
ding, as it has proved, farewell to Watard for
ever. I mentioned in a previous part of this
narrative, that it had been resolved that I
should, on adopting the customs of the
Orangwoks, be raised to the dignity of a
chief (of the third order), and allowed to
marry a chief's daughter. In taking the
latter step, I do not wish to be misunder-
stood. It may to Christians seem a singular
thing for a Christian man to marry a heathen
woman, of a different colour, and to resolve
to live among heathen people instead of try-
ing to return to civilization. Yet it must be
remembered that I had given up any hope of
ever escaping from the captivity in which I
was held ; and further, that habit accustoms
one to everything. I had become, after more
than five years' life among the Orangwoks,
accustomed to their ways, and had moreover
found them intelligent, and, in their way civil-
ized people. But, above all, what resigned

Adventures in New Guinea. ly;^

me to stay among them, was the fact of my
having conceived a real affection for Kayhar's
daughter. After-events will prove that she
was in every way worthy of the love of one
like myself; that she possessed many quali-
ties which would have been highly esteemed
even among Europeans. AH this will appear
as my narrative proceeds. These circum-
stances being duly considered, will, I trust,
procure a favourable judgment on the step I
was about to take; it must be understood,
moreover, that I did not renounce my religion
as a Christian. I had too often failed to act
up to my duty as a professing Christian, yet
I never for a moment intended to relinquish
that faith. On my return to K'ootar, my
proposed marriage with Lamlam was formally
sanctioned by the iioo, to whom the intention
had to be submitted for their approval. First,
however, I had to be received among the
Orangwoks, to have my skin stained the
same colour as theirs, and to adopt their cos-
tume. A house of three stories had been
built for me while I was absent in
Watara, so that there was now no occasion
for further delay on any account. The cere-
mony was, therefore, directed to proceed. I
was summoned to the priest's house and
required to reside with him for one week.

174 Adventures in New Guinea.

Here, my skin was stained with some juices
until it attained a dark colour, successive
coatings having been put upon me by the
priest's own hand. This process having been
completed, I was clothed in a long but filthy
robe, which completely covered me from head
to foot, only leaving an opening for my eyes.
The priest now put on himself a rich dress
covered with ornaments of gold, and directed
me to be taken by some of the assisting
priests, clothed similarly, only not so gor-
geousl}^ to a stream which ran near the
sacred grove. Hither I was brought, dis-
guised in the filthy robe that I have men-
tioned. A large crowd of people were ga-
thered about the banks of the stream, consist-
ing of both men and women. Drums were
beaten, accompanied by such other musical
instruments as the people possessed. When
the priest arrived, he, standing by my side,
delivered an harangue to the people, con-
cluding with an address to the sun (or Otaroo),
on which all the Orangwoks prostrated them-
selves, and repeating the name in subdued
tones whenever the priest mentioned it in his
address. This was the first instance of a
religious service which I had witnessed
among the Orangwoks. Such services were
more common among the Kakshi, as they

Adventures in Neiv Guinea. 175

were more superstitious. Private religious
acts there were none among either tribe.
Whatever of such services they had were of a
pubhc nature, and were always connected
with something which affected the public
mind. At Watara there was no priest, and
therefore no religious service of any kind.
But to proceed, when the priest's address
was concluded — he looked a very striking
figure in his bright dress flashing in the sun,
and standing with his hands outspread before
the crowd prostrate before him. When he
had concluded, two assisting priests de-
scended into the water, and stationed them-
selves ready to receive me. The priest,
taking me by the hand, led me to the stream,
and, chanting a hymn to Otaroo, whose
chorus was taken up by the people, he cast
me into the water as the chorus was being
sung. I was at once seized by the two
priests, and dipped several times under its
surface. At each successive immersion the
chorus was repeated in louder strains. On
the last occasion I was kept entirely under
water until my filthy robe was removed. I
was then allowed to emerge from my bath —
my skin as black as that of any of theirs.
When this was seen a loud shout was raised,
and Otaroo was invocated, all falling flat

176 Adventures in Neiv Gitbiea.

upon their faces at tlie mention of liis dreaded
name. On my appearing before them, per-
fectly naked, the priest again chanted a
hymn ; again the crowd, as before, taking up
the chorus. While this was being sung,
another priest came forward, and clothed mo
with the usual dress of a chief of the third
class — a kind of smock of fine hemp, beauti-
fully barred with gold. I was now an Orang-
wok, and hardly knew myself, chiefs and
their wives coming forward to congratulate
me on having become one of themselves. So
ended the performances of that day. Next
day I was presented to the king, and received
from him a chief's sword. I could now marry
Lamlam, and begged her father that there
might be no further delay. The usages of
the country, however, interfered again, and
hindered the performance of the marriage for
another fortnight, as no one was allowed to
marry until the moon was full. One of these
usages was, that whenever a chief's daughter
was married a slave was sacrificed, some-
times two or three, or even six — according to
the rank of the chieftain — were sacrificed. I
did not become acquainted with this bar-
barous custom until 1 was requested to lay
my hand upon the poor w^retch's head in
order that the priest might offer him up.

Adventures in Nciv Guinea. 177

When acquainted with the fact I refused to
consent to the sacrifice, or take any part
whatever in it. I interceded, moreover, for
the man's life to be spared. This could not
be, it was said — that if I did not comply with
the law or custom, Lamlam must do so. The
poor wretch stood by trembling while I ex-
postulated with the priest and Kayhar. This
made me the more determined that he should
not be slain, so I resorted to a stratagem, for
which I hope the reader will not judge me
too severely. It was this : I professed the
greatest abhorrence (which I really felt) at
the intended murder, and declared that if
wMie men joined in killing a slave they were
hung by the gods upon trees and left to rot.
This statement made an impression upon
Kayhar, and through him upon the priest. I
offered to bring my book in proof of what I
said; and, on being requested to do so, I
brought the Bible and read the words from
Genesis, " Whoso sheddeth man's blood by
man shall his blood be shed," altering them
to this effect in translating them into Orang-
wok, "Whoso sheddeth slave's blood the
gods shall hang him on a tree to rot."
Whether I was justified in doing this, I leave
my readers to judge. The course I took had
due effect. The man was reprieved, and ul-

178 Adventures in New Guinea.

liraately liis life was spared, on tLe uuder-
standing tliat lio was to be my slave for ever,
ready at any time to be sacrificed. On these
terms tlie custom was in my case dispensed
with, and onr marriage was allowed to pro-
ceed. The form of marriao:e was sino;ular
and elaborate.

I proceeded to the sacred grove over night,
and was placed in a kind of box or ark, care-
fully covered in. Before the sun rose, or as
soon as his first beams fell npon the grove,
which was situated on \\\o\\ o^round outside of
the city, the priest began to chant certain
words intended as prayers, which he con-
tinued until the beating of drums announced
that the bride was approaching. When she
entered the grove, led by the priest and fol-
lowed by her father and friends, she was
taken first to the marble altar on which the
poor slave was to have been slain, and then
some words were chanted over her head as
she lay upon the pacred earth. She was now
(on standing up) led round the grove accom-
panied by her maidens, seeking her husband.
Of course he could not be found, being care-
fully concealed in the chest which I have men-
tioned, and which she was not permitted to
approach. At last she returned to the altar,
and there, declaring that she could not find

Adventures in Ncio Guinea. 1 79

Tregan, prayed the help of Otaroo. On this
the priest demanded gold for the sacred ser-
vices. On the gold being placed upon the
altar, the chanting was renewed, and as the
chorus was raised — all as usual joining in it —
Lamlam was led towards the chest in which
I was hidden. Again the chant was sung,
and again the chorus was taken up by the
spectators. On this being repeated the third
time, Lamlam was introduced into the chest
and became my wnfe. The proceedings hav-
ing reached this point, the noise from drams,
fifes, lars, and voices became deafening, in
the midst of which we felt the chest lifted
and borne throus^h the air. This continued
for half an hour, when suddenly all the noise
ceased. We had reached the gates of K'ootar,
and Avere enterinof its streets. Noise now
would have been unseemly. The crowd, how-
ever, continued to follow until our bearers
stopped, but only for a moment, in the next
they proceeded, although with evident diffi-
culty, the chest tilting as if it was being lifted
upward. We now felt that the chest was
laid upon a floor, and presently all was silent.
The sound of footsteps being heard receding
in the distance, Lamlam now whispering that
we were at home, I opened the side of our
carriage and found that we were in our own
N 2

I So Adventures in Nezu Guinea,

house on the third floor. AYe were at home ;
La ml am was my wife.

For a whole week neither of us stirred out
of our house. It would have been a serious
breach of etiquette had we doue so, but at
the end of that time we were saluted by a
horrible din of instruments beating discord-
antly, which continued for an hour. This
was to signify that we were to return to the
world, and begin our round of feasting and
merriment, with which the marriage of a
chief's daughter always concludes. I was
glad when it was all over.

Adventures in New Guinea. 1 8 1

CHAPTER XX.

Wannoota, the principal priest, was a man of
great intelligence, with a wider extent of
knowledge than was possessed by the ordi-
nary chiefs. He was shrewd and far-seeing ;
ready to perceive the bearing of anything
upon his interests. After my marriage ho
sought me out and became, as I concluded,
my friend. He expressed the highest ad-
miration of my ability to talk to a piece of
paper or leaf which had marks upon it, and
begged me to give him some assistance that
he might be able to converse with the " white
leaf." I consented to do so, and after giving
him a few lessons in the same way that I had
given them years before to Lamlam, he made
great progress, and evidently grasped the full
meaning of our system of writing. After
this he visited me assiduously, and obtained
from me all the knowledge I could communi-
cate in this way. He also sought eagerly for
information respecting the countries of the
white men and their religion. To all that I

1 82 Adventures in N'ezu GiiiJiea.

could tell liim he listened intentl}^, only
interrupting to ask some question, wliich
showed how well he understood the bearing
of my remarks.

" Do you not keep your God in j'our
temples ? " (or groves.)

" No, our God is in heaven, beyond the
stars or beyond the sun."

*' There is nothing beyond the sun ; no-
thing could remain up there. How would it
hold on? AVhere, therefore, could your God
live?"

" He lives out of sight ; no one can see the
palace where He resides."

" How do you know that unless you have
been there?"

" Our leaves (books) tell us this."
" But did your leaves come down from
heaven, and who brought them ? "Were they
thrown down in a thunder-storm ? "

To this I answered by explaining as best I
could ; when Wannoota returned again to his
first thought.

" Then, if your God is not kept in His
temples, how do the people make offerings of
gold to Him ? How do they offer sacrifice to
Him ? And if they do not, how can His
priests live and l:)ecome rich, dressing like the
great chiefs of the kingdom ? If we only

Adventures in New Gninea. 183

worsliipped Otaroo with words liis priests
would die, and the people would not fear
Mm."

I had been trying to explain the nature of
Christian worship to him. I cannot relate
one hundredth part of the priest's conversa-
tion with me ; nor did I at the time see the
drift of his inquiries. He professed to be
anxious to understand what was in the book
from which I had read before I was married.
I promised to teach him. The priest and
myself were thus thrown a great deal to-
gether, and, as he was a well-informed and
intelligent man, I gained a large amount of
information about the resources of the king-
dom of K'ootar — the manners and customs
of the people — the distant tribes inhabiting
the coast country to the north of the Tanna-
vorkoo. He told me that there were among
these barbarian tribes, — tribes of women who
lived entirely by themselves, and killed any
man who fell into their hands except at
certain seasons of the year. That there was
another race, called the Kik-Kiks, who had
an evil spirit living in the heads of the indi-
vidual members of the tribe. I could not
understand this till afterwards. But I will
I'elate what the priest told me.

" Many years ago," he said, " there was a

184 Adventures in New Ginnea.

great chief, wlio was very brave and very
cruel. In a battle with one of the many other
savage tribes, he was struck to the ground
by a spear wound which passed through his
mouth. As the blow did not kill him he was
nursed carefully until he recovered, but when
he had recovered it was found that an evil
spirit had taken possession of him, and was
livinof in his head. It could be heard talkinnr.
Every one felt he was haunted, and avoided
him. After a time, his life becoming a burden
to him, he departed from the kingdom, and,
taking with him many wives, he established a
new tribe."

This was many years ago, before Wan-
noota's three fathers were born. The new
tribe thus formed were the Kik-Kiks.

"Another people," he said, "had tails, at
least the men had, and whenever they sat
down had to make holes in which to coil
their tails, for they were very long."

I did not, of course, believe these stories,
yet felt there might be some amount of truth
in them. Before I left K'ootar I had a sli<2;ht
confirmation of one of these stories. There
came a deputation from a distant tribe living
in the north, bringing with them a slave
which they had captured on their route. As
he was said to belong to the Kik-Kiks, I,

Adventures in New Guinea. 185

remembering the priest's tale, went to see
the slave. He was an ugly, malformed-look-
ing creature, very forbidding in his appear-
ance. When I drew near to him I could hear
distinctly a noise whenever he drew his breath,
like the ticking of a clock. I could not be-
lieve my ears ; yet, there it was. I examined
the man, thinking the noise might be caused
by some abnormal state of his throat. Yet I
could detect nothing unusual. The man was
breathing naturally, not in the least surprised
at himself, but surprised to find that we did
not occasion a similar noise when we drew
our breath. Whether there are others like
this man I cannot say. It is possible that
one or two instances like this may have
given rise to the story of a tribe of Kik-
Kiks.

My life with Lamlam was a very happy
one. She endeavoured in all things to carry
out my wishes, even in regard to her dress.
Of course I was too much imbued with
European customs to be pleased with the
indecent costume of heathenism, and I per-
suaded my wife to adopt a more becoming
dress in respect of length than was usually
worn. As no one could attend a levee of the
king's except in the dress prescribed, I
thought it better that Lamlam should keep

1 86 Adventures in Neiv Guinea.

fiway, giving out tliat she was not well — as
indeed she was not.

We had many pleasant and interesting con-
versations, wbicli I now hold in affectionate
recollection. Although I do not care to
reveal the purport of these, yet, to give the
reader an insight of her character and mind,
I will relate one conversation which we had
together soon after our marriage.

(I may mention here that I had not felt
satisfied with my marriage until I had read
the marriage-service from the Prayer Book,
which was bound with my Bible, with Lam-
lam, and had gone through the ceremonies
there prescribed.)

It was after this that the conversation
referred to took place.

'' How long," said she, placing her hand in
mine and laying her head on my shoulder,
*' did you say you would love me ? "

" For ever — until death parts us."

*' And won't you love me afterwards ? "

*' Yes, Lamlam, I will love you in heaven."

"What shall I be like after I die? Shall
I be a Wankoo or Dop-dop ? "

" No, you will be an angel ; better than
you are now, and as white as the snow on
Tannavorkoo."

She shrank from the idea of becoming
white, but she said, —

Adventures in Neiv Guinea. 187

*' Where sliall I live tlicn ? In wbat
country ? "

*' In heaven, beyond the sun."

" But there is no place beyond — farther olT
than Otaroo."

*' Yes, there is, Lamlam, but we can't
Ece it."

" Well, but Tregan, how can we get up to
heaven ? What road shall we go ? "

" Ob, we shall have wings, and fly up like
the angels." ^

This satisfied my wife's mind for a time.
And we often renewed our consideration of
the same subject, as much to my own
instruction as to hers, for I found that I was
really very ignorant when I came to teach
others. And so a pleasant year passed away,
a year in which I enjoyed as much real
happiness as I can expect to have this side
of the grave.

^ Tregan's idea of angels is a very primitive one. The
Sitiptures do not say that they have Avings.— Ed.

1 88 Adventures in New Guinea,

CHAPTER XXT.

My happiness was increased at the end of
twelve months by the birth of a little boy.
It was a strange sensation to me when I first
heard the child's cry, as he lay in his
mother's arms. I did not feel immediately
any special affection for him. I looked upon
him as a curiosity, and felt towards him very
much as I have felt towards a little puppy.
Do not misunderstand me. He was a pretty
enough little fellow, with an olive-coloured
skin, and large, gentle-looking dark eyes,
which wandered all over my face, as I stood
watching the little thing as he lay nestling
into his mother. He was pretty, and quite
as interesting as any other baby ever was.
Yet I did not feel that strong paternal love
for him which I expected to feel. I liked to
stroke him, and would have liked to handle
him, only I was fearful of hurting him.
However, as time passed, I found all a
father's love come, and then the happiness
of our household reached its heio:ht. As

Advenhires in Neiv Guinea. 189

soon as my wife began to get strong, and
was able to be about the Louse, slie liad
congratulatory visits to receive. These were
very wearisome, as indeed all the etiquette of
these people was, at least to me. But then
I had never been accustomed to what is
called etiquette, having been all my life a
free and careless sailor.

There was now to be a great confabulation
among the women of the place, for the pur-
pose of naming the new comer. I was not
supposed to be interested in this matter, so
I was not taken into the council. This was
purely a subject for the women-friends of
Lamlam to determine. And so the child
was handed about from one to another, every
one examining him with care, and comment-
ing upon his various features. All were
much surprised to find that he was nearly
white. As I was now well stained, and as
brown as any of them, they concluded that
my children would partake of the usual
complexion of the race, and they were
horribly disgusted to find that this one had a
strong tendency to whiteness. Many were
the uncomplimentary epithets which w^ere
applied to the baby in Lamlam's hearing, on
the occasion of the confabulation ; for these
people, in spite of their pretence to refine-

] 90 Adventures in New Guinea.

ment (and tliey have as mucii of iliis as even
European dames), were really, in most cases,
heartless and cruel, not sparing the feelings
of others — because they themselves had
none. I had suggested a name to Lamlam,
and expressed a wish that he might be called
by the name of Philip. Such an uncouth,
savage name could not, however, be heard
of ; so they gave him the name of Wokamshe.
The ceremony of naming reminded me of
another ceremony — that of baptism, and I
felt that the child ought to be made a
Christian, so I talked to Lamlam about it.
The followino: conversation ensued : —

I explained first what baptism was. Tlio
ponring of water on the face — Lamlam called
this " watering the baby."

" But what is the good of watering the
baby unless his face is unclean?"

" It will make him a Christian, Lamlam,
like Jesus Christ, of whom we read in the
book; like the man who went on a journey
in the ' Pilgrim's Progress ' — that man was
a Christian."

"But would Wokamshe go on a journey
away from me if you watered him ? "

" No, certainly not ; but he would bo a
Christian, and would grow up kind and good.
All white people are baptized.'*

Adventures in Neiv Gttinea. 191

*' What ! even tliose wlio kill one another
witli thunder and fire?" I had described
battle-scenes to Lamlam.

" Yes, all of them."

*' But then they are not good if they kill
one another? "

I felt that my flank was turned by this
remark, and I did not for a moment under-
stand how I was to escape from the dilemma
in which it placed me.

" If it does not make them good of what
use is it to water their faces ? Would it
be better to put water on the whole body ? "

I replied, remembering one of the answers
in the Catechism, that to baptize him would
make him " a member of Christ, a child of
God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of
heaven." Lamlam could not understand, nor
iudeed could I, but I tried to explain.

" A member of Christ ! what is that ? "

" A member is a part, a limb ; this is a
member," holding out my arm.

*' How can this baby become an arm of
Jesus Christ ? Where is He ? And how
can he grow on to Him ? "

Here again I was puzzled, so I put o:ff my
little wife by saying, " You see, Lamlam, I
am ignorant myself, but I will talk to the
book, and find out what it says. In the

192 Adventures in Neiv Gtiiiica.

meantime we will call our little baby Philip,
for the other name is exceedingly ugly."

I began to read the Bible, to learn what I
could about baptism. So I read first the
words, "Go ye out into all the world, and
preach the Gospel;" "He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved." Philip was
not old enough to believe, so this did not
seem to apply to him. I then found the
words of Peter, *' Repent, and be baptized
every one of you, for the remission of sins."
For a similar reason the words could not
apply to him. While I was thus examining
various passages, by the help of the references
in the Bible, I came across these words,
" Your bodies are the members of Christ."
These were the very words of the Catechism ;
so I read them eagerly, and turned up the
other places to which the verse referred me.
"Ye are the body of Christ;" "The
Church which is His body," and here, I
thought I could see my way. So, after the
lapse of several days, for my studies took
time, I said again to Lamlam, —

" To baptize Philip is to admit him into
the Church ; he will after he is baptized be a
member of the Church.

"What is the Church; and whereabouts
is it? " was her reply.

Adventures in Neiu Gtiinea, 193

*' Oh, the churcli is a place where Christians
meet to worship God ; where the minister
preaches and prays."

" But how can you take him to the church ?
There is none in K'ootar."

This was true, and again I was perplexed.
At last a happy thought struck me.

"You know, Lamlam, how my life was
saved because I had been made a mason, and
was able to give the sign to the old priest.
^yell, in the same way, if Philip is bajDtized
he will become a Christian ; and if ever he
goes among the white men, he will be
received as a Christian."

" Will you then put any mark on him ; or
how will they know that he is a Christian ? "

" He will bo able to tell them, and that
will be enough. Everybody will be glad to
see him, just as the Orangwoks were glad to
see me when I became an Orangwok."

I felt I was justified in exaggerating a
little for the sake of the end to be obtained.
So at last Philip was baptized. The birth
of Philip had made me feel very serious, as
I did not like the idea of his being brought
up a heathen. After baptizing him I felt
very much easier in my mind.

Little Philip did not thrive like European
children ; he remained weak and sickly,

o

194 AdventtLres in Neiu Guinea.

inlieriting his mother's constitution as well
as her gentle nature. But although lie often
occasioned us much uneasiness, yet lie
brought a large amount of happiness into
the house, for he was treated like the child
of civilized parents. He sat with us at
table, prattled with us, and Lamlam was very
fond of him. Indeed, I never saw a European
mother more devotedly attached to her white
chubby child, than was she to her little
olive-coloured, sickly baby. So too was I.
We never cared to let him out of our sight,
and called to one another to observe all his
little ways. If one was absent when he
accomplished any feat of speech, or manner,
or movement, all was duly related by the one
who had witnessed the baby marvel. In
this way our household was in striking con-
trast to the households of the other chiefs.
Amongst them the children were never, or
very rarely seen ; they were kept by the
slaves, so that the chief's house should not
be disturbed, and the chief's wife should be
free to attend to the amusements of her
people. One of these amusements was a
remarkable one. The chiefs and their wives
(young women woL'e not permitted to be
present until they were married) met at a
large room, especially built for the purpose.

Adventures in New Guinea. 195

and on all being assembled (the women in a
disgustingly nude state, having on only some
gold ornaments) a chief, dressed in all the
colours of the rainbow, with a long wand in
one hand, entered the room, holdino* a
number of light, downy-looking feathers in
the other hand. These he distributed — one
to each chief. When all was ready, the
signal was given by the beating of drums
and the playing of music ; at which each
chief and his wife started down or across the
room, blowing this feather before them. It
was wonderful to see the agility and clever-
ness that was displayed in keeping this piece
of down in the air ; and it was amusing to
see the whole crowd at this game, men and
women jumping, bobbing, blowing — en-
deavouring to keep the feather up. One by
one, however, the crowd would retire as the
feather each had been trying to keep alive
fell to the ground, those who thus retired
arranging themselves round the room, to
watch the efforts of those who remained still
on the floor. At last a solitary pair alone
remained, and these were completely ex-
hausted; they, however, kept up with
wonderful spirits, jumping at times franti-
cally, and puffing as if the last breath of life
was passing from them. At last these too
0 2

196 Adventures in New Guinea.

collapsed — utterly done up ; and sometimes,
I am told, the women were very ill from the
exertions made on such occasions, for these
amusements (if they can be called such) were
kept up for hours. The thing seemed to
me to be foolish enough itself ; and when it
is considered that it was very frequently
dangerous, I was surprised that the good
sense of the Orangwdks had not discouraged
the silly game. After being at one of these
*' shun-shun," and witnessing the indecency
of the costume, and violent exertion made
by those taking part in it, I refused to attend
any more, although by this refusal I believe
I made several enemies who afterwards
became very bitter towards me.

Adventures in New Guinea* 197

CHAPTER XXII.

And now it miglit be supposed my lot was
cast in with the Orangw5ks, that I should
never again see European civilization, and so
it would have been, had not a serious
calamity befallen me, by which I perforce
escaped from captivity, and thus am able to
give this narrative to the world. Our little
boy was now two years old, but was not
strong — far otherwise, he was exceedingly
delicate, and I fear the European method of
training, which I adopted with him, was not
the most conducive to his health — at least
such are my thoughts now. The reader has
anticipated my story. The child who was
so dear to us was taken very ill, and appeared
to be sinking rapidly. Nothing could be
done to save him, very little to relieve him,
although everything that the most devoted
and untiring affection could suggest and
accomplish was done. Still the little sufferer
sank gradually and steadily, until I had to

198 Adventures in New Ginnea,

confess that there was no further hope of his
recovery to be entertained. As he was two
years and a half old, and exceedingly in-
telligent, he understood much that was said
and done.

" Papa, Philip's head is hot ; put water on
it, and make it cool."

" Yes, my dear, jovl will be better soon,
please God."

" Will Jesus make Phil well, papa ?"

" Yes, dear, He will. He will take you
to heaven to be with Him for ever."

" But will you and mamma be there
too. I don't want to go without you
both."

" No, darling Philip," burst from the lips
of his mother. " You shan't go without
us. I will pray to Jesus to take us all
together."

" There, there," said the little sufferer,
*' don't cry, Phil will be better soon," and he
threw his arms round the neck of his mother,
with great tenderness.

If Christianity brings its troubles, it
certainly brings its joys. If it enlarges our
capacities of suffering, it also enlarges our
capacities of joy. Little Philip's tenderness,
so unusual, so far beyond his age, greatly
comforted both Lamlam and myself. I

ji dventiires in Neiv Guinea. 199

repeated the words, quietly, slowly, and
clearly, " Suffer little cliildren to come unto
Me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
They had a new nieannigto me now. Philip
was going softly, sweetly to the wonderful
speaker.

"Yes, papa," he said gently, "I am
coming. ' Of such is the- kingdom of
heaven.' "

He had learned the words weeks and
weeks before. As the words passed from his
lips, Philip w^as in the bosom of Jesus.
Only his little warm body remained with us,
lying upon his soft bed.

I need not speak of my wife's grief, nor of
my own. Our love for our child was much
greater than that felt by the Orangwoks
usually, for he had been treated as a part of
ourselves, and had in all things held the
foremost place in our thoughts,

I was resolved that his body should not
be burned, according to the custom of the
country; that it should have Christian
burial , and in the end I obtained my way.
A little grave was dug in our park, and early
in the morning his body, in a small box made
under my directions, was carried to the
grave, and lowered into the hole, as I read
the funeral service over his mortal remains.

200 Adventures in New Guinea.

Never did I feel how beautiful and cousolint^
was this service until now. It assured mc
of a resurrection to eternal life at His ap-
pearing, for I knew that my Philip slept in
Jesus.

Lamlam and myself now redoubled our
interest in the study of the Bible. I longed
to obtain all the comfort it contained for
myself. I was equally desirous of communi-
cating it to my wife.

" You said, Tregan, that our Philip will
live again in heaven beyond the sun. How
can he get up there ? He is in the earth.
"Will God send an angel to carry him up, and
if so, how long will it be before he is taken
away ? "

"You do not quite understand, Lamlam.
Philip's soul has gone to heaven — that which
loved his papa and mamma — that which
spoke to us through his soft eyes, and gentle
hands — iliat was Philip, and that has gone to
dwell in heaven with Jesus."

" But will not his body be in heaven too,
his beautiful eyes, his nice winning ways.
Will not these be in heaven ? "

" Yes, Lamlam, yes. On the day of the
resurrection. Let me read to you how Jesus
rose from the dead, and then the chapter
contained in the burial service.'*

Adventures in New Guinea. 201

I read and explained these, as slie listened
to me intently, the tears rolling down her
cheeks.

A few days after this conversation, I
picked up a chrysalis, and knowing some-
thing of the wonderful change through which
it passed in becoming a butterfly, I put it
away, carefully drawing Lamlam's attention
to it. It looked like a dead body, she said.
After the lapse of some weeks, I noticed
that the change was at hand, and directed
Lamlam again to consider it most attentively.
Carefully stopping up every means of egress
in the room, I waited the result. Next
morning, taking my wife into the room, I
approached the spot where the grub had
been left. The shell or crust was there, but
nothing else.

"Alas! it is nothing," she cried. "Will
dear little Philip be like this ? "

" No, Lamlam, like this," I said, drawing
her attention to a beautiful butterfly that
was now fluttering about the room.

With a cry of surprise and joy, she grasped
my arm, and said, —

" Did that come out of this ugly piece
of skin ? " pointing to the outer cover-
ing.

" Yes, and in the same way, in the resurrec-

202 Adveiihircs in N'ew Guinea.

tion, our little Philip shall arise, a beautiful
body, out of that weak, suffering body whicli
"svas laid in the grave. ' SoY\ai in corruption,
raised in incorruption ; sown in weakness,
raised in power.' "

Her mind could now better understand the
idea of the resurrection, and she derived
great comfort from this illustration. At this
time she proposed that we should ask others
to join us in reading our Bible. To this I
consented, and accordingly Kayhar, Lanna,
the old priest Wannoota, with the wives of
the former two, were asked to join us.
They came very gladly, especially Kayhar
and Lanna. The latter was a very thought-
ful and religious kind of man, and had
reflected much on our previous conversation.
After reading a portion of the Gospel of St.
Matthew, I translated it, as well as I could,
into Orangwok. I found my auditors deeply
interested, especially with the account of the
crucifixion — most of them were in tears at
this. It had never occurred to me to read
this before. Again and again I was asked to
read it, and on every occasion I found a
similar result. I could not here help the
feeling, that our familiarity with these Bible
stories probably robs them of their great

Adventures in New Guinea. 203

charm. At any rate, I can testify that the
Orangwoks were penetrated with lively
emotions of sorrow as I read, and that they
seemed to become better people, after hearinp^
what they did. I cannot say this of all of
those who were present. The priest was not
I think affected by what he heard, but he was
interested. Many others came, until my room
was sometimes full of listeners. Lanna suo:-
gested that as so many were interested in these
readings, it would be a good plan to write
them out, and teach the Orangwoks to read
them. I felt under some constraint to do
this, for I now began to feel my responsibility
as a Christian towards these poor heathens.
My dear little wife helped me much, so too
did Lanna, who was an apt scholar, and in
one year great progress was made, in both
teaching them to read, and in writing the
stories of the Gospels on paper. It must
not be supposed from this that a great deal
was done. All that I mean is this ; some
ten or twelve people learned to read a few
words, and were able to make out two or
three stories, copied out of Christ's Parables.
But as they did not all have the same stories,
the whole that was being read amounted to
a considerable quantity, as much as seven or

204 Adventures in New Guinea.

eight cliapters altogether. During this year
I was happy, so too was Lamlam ; although
we never forgot our great loss, yet in doing
what we could to teach others about God,
we were consoled.

Adventures in New Gumea, 205

CHAPTEE XXIIT.

I CONTEMPLATED the results of our religious
teaching with satisfaction, and felt that now
I was doing something that justified me in
calling myself a Christian. My thoughts
frequently reverted to dear Miss Cunning-
ham, and I wondered whether she, from her
heavenly home, looked down upon me and
Lamlam. If so, I knew she looked with
approval, and rejoiced that her lessons had
not been entirely thrown away upon me.

On my saying this to my wife, to whom
the whole of . my history was known, she
asked, — . ..

** Do you think she can see us here in
Tannavorkoo ? " |

*' Yes, Lamlam, I do. She can look down ,
from heaven to any part of the world." ^

" And do you think she loves me, as well
as you, Tregan ? "

*' Yes, indeed, for she was as gentle and
kind as Lamlam herself."

2o6 Adventures in New Guinea

" Then she will love dear little Philip, and
will take care of him until we go up to him."

" Jesus will take care of him. He has
said, ' Suffer little children to come unto
Me.' "

"Yes, but Jesus cannot nurse all the
babies Himself. See what a lot of babies
die even in K'ootar. He will want nurses
for them all, and He can give our Philip to
your friend. I am sure, from what you have
told me, that she will be very kind to Philip ;
and now I feel quite happy about him.
Sometimes I have felt sad, thinking of him
wandering through the vast heaven without
a mother to look after him; and although
Jesus and the angels are kind, yet they could
not be to him as a mother. But your friend
could, and she would be one to him, for she
loved you."

Lamlam did not say all this at one breath.
She took some time to say it, and this was
the sense of all she said.

She had never been strong, even when I
first knew her, eight years ago, and latterly,
particularly since little Philip's death, she
had become weaker. I regarded her at
times with an anxious heart, and at last
acknowledged to myself that she had some
chest disease. In the winter a violent cold

Adventures in Nciu Guinea, 207

settled on her lungs, and sbe was not able to
shake it off. It clung to her right through
the winter, until she was confined entirely to
her own room. For some time before this,
however, at her request, I had — once a week
at least — read some portion of the Service in
the Prayer Book for public worship.

*' You said, Tregan, that Christians in
your country meet together to worship God.
In what way do they worship Him ? "

I explained, and read the Service to her.
It was after this that she suggested that we
should join in similar acts of worship, and
invite her father and mother, with Lanna
and his wife, to join us. All this was done,
and I never before so thoroughly enjoyed the
public prayers of our Church.

Lanna and Kayhar enjoyed them also, and
even Lamlam's mother, a hard, cold woman,
seemed stirred by these acts of worship.

Lamlam herself seemed wrapt in a de-
votional state of mind and heart. After
several of these acts of worship had been
held, she said to me, —

" I begin now, Tregan, to understand
something about the happiness of heaven.
It was all a mystery. Now I can feel what
it is to speak to God in prayer with others.
The presence of others speaking the same

2o8 Adventures in New Guinea.

words lielps me to pray more warmly. 1 am
so thankful that God sent you here, Tregan.
I never should have known Him if you had
not come. I should have lived and died a
heathen — should have had no little Philip,
no Tregan to love, no Jesus to rejoice in, no
heaven to hope for. I am so thankful that
you came," she said, throwing her arms round
me.

She gradually became weaker. There was
no doubt in my mind that she was dying. I
could not contemplate such a result with
calmness. I redoubled all my attentions,
and read to her assiduously ; I even prayed for
her in my own words. Yet the end came on,
and came quickly at the last. After she was
confined to her room, and latterly to her bed,
her mother was constantly with her. Lamlam
spoke to her, and told her all she had learned
from the Gospels — said that she could now
die in peace and happiness.

The conversations made a very serious
impression on her mother, and I have reason
to believe they led her to take greater interest
in the stories and teaching of the Gospel.
Poor old woman, she was really attached to
her daughter in her own way, and was over-
whelmed with grief at the prospect of her
death. Lamlam' s father was most tenderly

Adventures in New Guinea. 209

attaclied to lier, and was continually witli her
whenever his duties permitted.

At last the end came. She held her last
conversation with me — too sacred to be writ-
ten here, except a few words of it.

" Will your friend be glad to see me,
Tregan, in heaven ? "

" Yes, dear, very glad ; so too will little
Philip. But, above all, the Lord Jesus will
be glad that you have gone to His beautiful
house."

" Will it be long before you come, Tregan
— many years, or will you come soon ? "

*' That is as God wills, Lamlam. I am
willing to go now if He wishes it."

" Come to me soon. I will talk to Philip
about you, so that he shall not forget you,
for he will soon be big, you know. We will
keep a place by our side, and wait for you.
When you come, will you love your friend, or
PhiHp and Lamlam most ? "

"You and little Philip, dear, be sure of
that."

" Farewell to Tregan. ' Come unto Me,
all that travail, and are heavy laden ; I will
give you rest.' ' In My Father's house are
many mansions.' * I am the way,' " and in
murmuring these words, dear Lamlam passed
from earth to heaven. She was dead.

2 lo Adventures in New Guinea,

I never knew till tbat moment how much
sorrow the human heart could bear. I did
not think I could have loved any human being
so tenderly, so completely, and I was utterly
prostrated by the blow. So too was her
father.

We laid her in the same grave as dear
little Philip. The one grave contained all
that had been dear to me, and all that had
brightened my life in K'ootar. Now I did
not care to remain any longer, except that I
was unwilling to leave the dust of those who
were so dear to me. I put up a cross over
their heads, and engraved upon it their
names, both in Orangwok and in English.

One of these days some English missionary
may find this symbol of Christianity amid
the Tannavorkoo mountains, and will then
know that some Christian man has already
been before him, and that some Christian
souls have passed away in K'ootar.

Adventures in New Guinea. 211

CHAPTER XXIV.

Lamlam had fallen a victim partly to her
own natural weakness of constitution, partly
to a serious epidemic which was attacking
many of the Orangwoks — a chest affection
beginning in an attack of the bronchial
tubes, ending in congestion of the lungs,
which carried off numbers of persons. Such
a visitation had never been experienced
before. It awakened the gravest considera-
tion, which led to some results of a serious
nature to myself. A meeting of the uoo was
convened to deliberate upon the anger of
Otaroo, who was hiding his face in a most
unusual way. All that happened at this
council I shall never know, except that some
serious charge was then made against myself
and the religion which I professed. Lanna
afterwards told me that "Wannoota attended
— he was a member of the iioo, and as priest
of Otaroo declared that his blessing would be
withheld — that the seed should not germi-
P 2

2 12 Adventures in New Guinea,

nate, nor the flower bloom, nor tlie peoplo
rejoice in health until his rival was driven
from K'ootar. The priest declared that
another god than Otaroo was worshipped,
that Otaroo was deprived of his dues, and
that ho had borne this with long-suffering
for three years, trusting that his children
would turn again to him. As they had not
done so, but had continued in their apostasy
from him, Otaroo had at last sent his plagues
upon them. This sickness was the hand of
Otaroo.

" AVhere is there another God ? " exclaimed
the gruff voice of a counsellor. " Who in
K'ootar worships any other god than the
great Otaroo ? "

" There is one," replied the priest, "who is
the priest of another god. One who came
among us from the Kahshir in the form of a
white man, but who is really only a Kahshir
disguised. Tregan is that priest," said Wan-
noota, with boldness in his tones. " And
Otaroo has smitten him by killing both wife
and child."

A great sob came from one corner of the
darkened council-chamber at the allusion to
Lamlam and Philip. Thus much was told
me by Lanna, who had gathered this from
his father-in-law, who was one of the uoo

Adventures in New Guinea, 213

In vain did old Kayliar, and one or two of
my friends, attempt to stay the torrent of
superstitious feeling that had been aroused
by the crafty old priest. And, after much
deliberation, a course was decided upon with
reference to myself, which was at once to be
carried into effect. All had been in readi-
ness, for Wannoota knew that I had many
friends in the council. Of what was going
on I had not even a suspicion. Overwhelmed
with sorrow as I was by the loss of my dear
wife, I took no note of the ominous talk
of Otaroo's anger. On the afternoon of
the council, I was busy arranging the
grave which marked the spot where the
bodies of my wife and child lay. I wished
to make it look as much like a Christian
grave as I could, and had planted numerous
seeds, together with a seedling tree of the
cypress kind. Here I was engaged, several
slaves assisting me, when an officer of the
troops approaching me, said he had a com-
munication for me from the uoo. I im-
mediately invited him to my house. On
entering, I found myself in the presence of
half a dozen well-armed Orangwoks. I was
their prisoner. I was not told the reason or
cause of my arrest. I was simply told that
I was a prisoner, and that if I attempted to

2 14 Adventures in A^ew Ginnea.

escape, my death would bo the penalty. At
once I was conveyed to the prison — a large
safely-built place surrounded b}^ guards. Here
I was kept for several days, no friends being
permitted to see me, or communicate with
me. I did not care much for life — a little
while before I should have hailed death as a
deliverer. Still, I desired to live, and was
anxious to ascertain what it was intended to
do with me.

I could obtain no information from any
one. The old priest visited me, professing
to be my friend. He exhorted me to pray to
my God for deliverance, but gave me no hint,
either as to the crime with which I was
charged, nor as to ray intended fate. Indeed
he professed to know nothing. The only
comfort I was permitted to have was the
luxury of a bath, which I took regularly.
To my surprise, on the third day of my con-
finement, I found the colouring-matter with
which I had been stained, coming off my
skin. I was as white as of old. As I looked
upon my skin returning to its natural colour,
I thought, can all this about Tannavorkoo and
K'ootar be a dream. Am I really among
civilized people, having been only dreaming
of the Orangwoks and their customs ? The
face of the old priest dispelled any such

Adventures in New Gtunea. 215

fancy. For there he was, witness to my
change of colour. He started when he saw
me, and professed surprise.

" Otaroo is angry, Tregan ; what have you
done ? He has withdrawn his favour from
you. You are lost," and immediately went
out.

I did not like the look on Wannoota's face.
The same evening I was taken before the uoo.
I had frequently heard of this council, and
knew that it was all-powerful, — that from its
decision there was no appeal. So I did not
go without trepidation. Yet I knew I had
friends in that council, and this thought
encouraged me. On entering a large bare
room, I was blindfolded, and then, led by the
hand of one of my guards, I felt that I was
being taken down some steps. On reaching
a kind of landing, another hand was laid
upon me, and the thought flashed through
my mind that they were going to assassinate
me. As I had never heard of an instance of
assassination in all my stay in K'ootar, I put
the thought from me, and yet the recollection
of the mysterious fate of Lakangeoo (the old
priest) produced in me a vague fear which
was exceedingly unpleasant. The hand of
the first guard was withdrawn from me, and
I heard footsteps ascending, as if he was

2i6 Adventures in New Guinea,

returning. My new conductor led me down
still farther, and again I was transferred
to another guide or conductor. After several
such changes had been made, without a word
being spoken on the part of any one, I felt
that I had reached a room where several
persons w^ere gathered together. Here my
eyes were unbandaged, but I couia see
nothing. I wondered, have I been blinded ?
has my sight been destroyed ? and exercised
my eyes to discover what was the matter
with me. I could discover nothing. On
reflecting that my sight could not be
destroyed without my being conscious of
great pain, I came to the conclusion that I
must be in a darkened chamber, and sus-
pected that I was in the council-room of the
ii65. I now heard voices subdued, as if
coming from a distance, but could hear
nothing distinctly. As I thus stood in
suspense, surrounded by a darkness that
might almost be felt, hearing the gentle
breathing of others around me, feeling ex-
ceedingly nervous, a sudden movement in
front occurred and a slight wind brushed
past me. A hand again took hold of me,
and I was led on. A few more steps, and I
felt myself in the presence of the 1106. A
hand touched mine in the dark, and pressing

Adventures in New Guinea. 217

it assured me of the presence of a friend.
At this I took heart, and stood silently-
waiting the end. No one who has not been
in it, can realize the solemn, fearful nature
of such a position. Palpable darkness, dead
silence, as if one was in a vast soliiude,
broken only by the strange sounds which
warned one that there were other spirits
present besides oneself. At last this fearful
silence was broken by the voice of one of
the iioo — that of the president or principal
chief.

" Tregan, you are summoned before a
council of Hotarwokoo iioo, accused of bring-
ing upon the kingdom of K'ootar the anger
of Otaroo by the introduction of another
God. You are permitted to reply to this
charge."

All the danger of my position rushed into
my mind as the chief spoke — the treachery
of the priest, the epidemic that had visited
the people, the death of my wife and child,
the cruelty of heathenism. What could I
reply ? In a moment of enthusiasm and
recklessness, I replied, —

*' That I do not worship Otaroo is true.
I have never concealed the fact. I have, as a
white man, been taught to worship another
God — the God who made heaven and earth.

2i8 Adventures in Neiu Guinea.

the sun, the moon and stars. I do not
believe that Otaroo is angry in consequence
of this. It is mere superstition to think so.
Let those who know what I have read to
them from my sacred book say whether my
religion is not good. If it is, Otaroo cannot
be angry with it."

I ceased, and the silence which followed
could be felt.

" Is it not true that your sacred leaf says,
* Whoso sheddeth slave's blood, shall be
hung in a tree by the gods to rot ? ' "
' It was the voice of the priest who spoke,
remembering the words I had quoted in
order to save the life of the slave, on the
occasion of my marriage.

I replied, —

" Yes, these words are in my sacred leaf,
and they are true. My God does not allow
man's blood to be shed. He is angry when
it is done."

Again the voice of Wannoota, —

" Otaroo has commanded that slaves shall
be sacrificed. It is his due. We are all his.
Your God forbids such sacrifice. He is then
contrary to Otaroo — which is the stronger ? "

" The God which I serve is the greater, for
He made Otaroo and all things."

Again the priest replied, —

THE TRIAL.

Page 219.

Adventures in Nezv Guinea. 2 1 9

*< Tregan was made an Orangwok, and
became sun-coloured. Otaroo gave him a
wife from the Orangwok chiefs. Otaroo
gave him a son. All was well, but Tregan
went in his heart back to his own God ; then
Otaroo took from him his son, to warn
Tregan that he must return. But Tregan
continued to seek for other gods, and invited
many Orangwoks to join him in his search.
Again Otaroo turned away his face, and
Lamlam, the daughter of a chieftain, of an
U.65 died. Otaroo continues angry, and
K'ootar will not see his face until this enemy
is destroyed. Otaroo gave Tregan the colour
of the sun. He has now taken it away.
Tregan is no longer an Orangwok. His skin
is white like his heart."

After a moment's silence he continued, —

"Judge, 0 wise men, of the anger of
Otaroo when he has restored Tregan to his
original colour."

At this instant a bright flash of light lit up
the vast room, and the long robe in which I
had been enveloped — head, face, and body —
fell from me to the ground. I stood before
the assembly of chiefs white as I was ori-
ginally. The darkness returned again in a
moment, and the priest repeated, —

" Judge, O counsellors of Hotarw5koo ;

2 20 Adventures in Neiu Guinea.

judge, 0 worshippers of Otaroo. See tlie
evidence of his anger. Judge wisely."

The flash of light had revealed a room filled
with dusk}'- counsellors. Among them were
Kayhar and Lanna's father-in-law. These
were the only two that I could be assured
were my friends. I could say nothing further.
I could not explain how I had become white.
I did not even suspect at that moment that
the change was occasioned by the water of my
bath, which had been prepared to bring about
this result. I am sure now that such was the
fact. I did not even suspect it while I stood
before the council.

The fact of my having been restored to my
original colour made a great effect upon the
iloo; nothing could resist the force of this
evidence.

After I had been reconducted to my prison,
the uo5 proceeded to deliberate upon the pun-
ishment I should receive. The priest Wan-
noota insisted that I should be put to death,
to pacify the wrath of Otaroo ; and his
arguments for a while prevailed. But Kayhar
and Lanna's father-in-law resisted this deter-
mination, and were ably supported by the old
warrior who had fought with me against the
Tokshis. To me, he said, the king owed the
preservation of AVatara. As I was well known,

Adventures in New Guinea. 221

tlicre was an evident unwillingness to put me
to death. Yet such would have been my fate,
jDrobably, had not my friends resorted to a
stratagem. Kayhar said, that if I was a
priest of another god it would not be wise to
provoke this god to anger by killing me, that
although Otaroo was great, yet, that as
powerful kings were sometimes overcome by
weaker ones through adverse circumstances,
so the God of Tregan might, by some chance,
prove himself a match for Otaroo. Kayhar
would therefore advise that I should be
restored to my own God beyond the sea, and
so the kingdom be ridden of any further
danger from the introduction of new gods.

In this defence Kayhar dissembled his real
feelings and opinions, and gave the advice
which I have related from a desire to save
my life, which he saw was in imminent
danger of being sacrificed. This speech of
his produced a profound impression, and at
last a conclusion, recommending the king to
expel me from his kingdom, was agreed to,
Wannoota having to be content with this.

2 22 Adventures in New Guinea.

CHAPTER XXV.

The first intimation I received of tlie decision
of the "tioo was from Kayliar tlie same even-
ing. He came to me in my prison, bringing
authority for my release, as he had made
himself responsible for my safe keeping.

" Your life is safe, Tregan, but you must
leave the kingdom of K'ootar. This was the
only leniency that your friends could procure
for you."

And then he proceeded to tell me all that
I have narrated, in the previous chapter, of
the deliberation of the iioo.

" I am thankful we were able to protect
your life. I regret that we could not keep
you with us. We shall, however, never for-
get you, nor shall we forget all that we have
read in the * white leaf.' We shall keep those
stories and learn them by heart, remembering
that Tregan brought them to us."

By this time we had reached Kayhar's
house, and on my entering I was overcome
by my recollections of the past, for I saw, as

Adventures in New Gumea. 223

if it was only yesterday, little Lamlam coming
again to learn from me ; to take her farewell
when I started for Watara. I saw again all
her gentle, winning ways, and was thoroughly
cast down. I should never see her again,
nor should I again look upon these scenes of
her past life. In a few hours they would be
gone for ever. Such thoughts tended to make
me very sad, and I fear I was not much of a
companion for Kayhar. Later in the evening
Lanna came in to see me and to welcome me
on my escape from the toils of the old priest
Wannoota. He had, through Kayhar's in-
fluence, been appointed to. escort .me to the
boundary of the kingdom. Ofthis I was
exceedingly glad. We were to start at sun-
rise next morning, as it was considered
desirable by my friends to get me away
before any change could be brought about in
the minds of the members of the "iioo. I
retired that night, but not to sleep, for I was
too excited to repose myself, I made every
preparation for my departure before lying
down. I had only one purpose to fulfil
before leaving K'ootar for ever. Before the
sun rose I was at my post to execute my
purpose ; to make a sketch of dear Lamlam's
and Philip's grave, I knew the sketch would
be very rough and hurried, but it would serv^

2 24 Adventures tJt New Guinea.

as a memento of that wliich was dear to me.
As I sketched the silent heap, with its small
white cross, looking so still and solemn in tho
early light, I saw the rays of the sun tinting
the snow-topped peaks of Tannavorkoo, As
I watched, fascinated by its golden glories —
for I had not seen the sun for some weeks —
I endeavoured to express what I saw on my
sketch. The light stole downward rapidly,
and, sweeping along the plains, touched the
tree-tops in my park, and flooding them from
branch to root, lighted up the little grave and
its white cross. It was the light of another
morning brightening upon me. I wish to
keep those sensations for ever. I was aroused
from my reverie by the voice of a slave, tell-
ing me that Lanna was waiting for me.
After a long, painful, and eternal farewell
with Kayhar and his wife, the parents of
Lamlam, I passed from K'ootar for ever.
For a time we were all silent ; every mind was
filled with sorrowful reflections, but after the
first few miles were past, and the cool fresh
air had invigorated us, we began to talk.

" Your coming has been good for us,
Tregan," said Lanna ; " I am sorrowful at
your departure."

" Just think, Lanna, that I was killed in
battle, and you will be able to think more

Adventures in New Guinea. 225

complacently about my going away. 1 shall
be just as if I was dead to yon."

" If you had been killed in battle I should
not have cared so much, but you have been
betrayed by Wannoota, who hates you, and
many of the chiefs have joined in his act
because they are envious of you. They want
to get rid of you. They do not believe old
"Wannoota' s fable about Otaroo any more
than I do. It suits them to accept the
priest's view of these things."

" I am glad that they do not believe in
Otaroo, they may thus come to accept a
better religion.'*

" I do not mean that they do not believe in
Otaroo. I mean that they have no fear of his
anger. They know that all things would go
on in very much the same way as at present,
whether we worship him or not. However,
I shall never worship him again, Tregan.
I shall always worship Jesus, for after
Lamlam's death I saw what belief in Him
could do. It is my firm intention to adhero
to Him as my God, and to learn His words.'*

AVe had now reached the descent to the first
plateau. Before descending into it, we caught
a glimpse of the lower plain, and saw tho
waters of the lake (Lake Ambd) lying far
away on our left.

Q

2 26 AdveJiiures tn Ncw Guinea,

The scene was like a fairy scene — soft and
graceful in tlie spring light. On our right
lay the plateau, with its large town and
numerous homesteads, well watered, and
showing already signs of rich vegetation.
But I need not repeat — I need not linger. I
could not fail to recall the impressions made
upon me nine years ago, as I was carried
upward to the mysteries of the mountain
kingdom. I wondered too, if I should ever
return again to civilization and to France. I
resolved to spare no efforts to escape to
Australia, and I planned at this time a
device, which I afterwards carried out, to get
away from the Rahshes, or coast tribe. On
the second day the boundary rampart was
reached. We stayed at the first posting-
house for the night. In the morning Lanna
would go homeward ; I would go eastward,
towards the coast. At sunrise he and myself
rode along the path by ourselves, to have a
last quiet talk. After exchanging mementoes
with each other, we parted in great sorrow.

Once on the natural rampart, I paused to
look back over the kingdom of Tannavorkoo.
It was a lovely sight that my eyes rested on.
The mountain all glowing in the light, the
lake glittering like a mirror, the smoke rising
up gracefully beyond the tree-tops, the tall

Adventures in New Guinea. 227

trees of many kinds, the bright-coloured
flowers and birds, I could have returned,
had not that little grave, which rose before
my mind's eye, contained all that I loved,

I turned my course slowly to the coast —
Lanna had given me the route, and I, as a
sailor, knew something of the points of the
compass. So I steered my course towards
the scene of my first adventure in New
Guinea. Without much difficulty, I could
avoid the wandering tribes, through the
speed of my little pony, I reached Ragek,
on the second day towards evening, I rode
up to the village, passing the old palisade in
which I and my unfortunate companions had
been confined. I passed the place of the
great fire, marked by the presence of the vast
slabs of stone, and shuddered to think of
their fate. I was known and recognized
instantly. All the village came to see and
welcome me. I was installed at once in a
place of honour.

Q 2

2 28 Advenitires in New Guinea,

CHAPTER XXVI.

I RESOLVED to carry out my sclieme without
loss of time. I knew something of the coast
of New Guinea and Austraha, and that some
settlements were to be found along the
northern parts of the latter. I knew too
that it was quite a possible thing to reach
the mainland in a small boat, although I
shrank from attempting the voyage in one
of the native canoes, Better make the
attempt in a canoe, than remain for ever
amongst savages. Such were my thoughts,
and such my resolution. My scheme to
escape from the hands of the Rahshes was
this : to pretend that I had the authority of
Lakangeoo to go over to the mainland. I
was at once questioned about the old priest,
for he had never returned to them. To all
questions I gave evasive, mysterious answers.
I was acting under the directions of the priest
of Otaroo, and was to take a canoe to the land
beyond the sea. There was some resistance
to this proposal at first, but my influence

Adventures in New Guinea, 229

succeeded, and I went next day to the shore
of the bay, mentioned at an earlier stage of
this narrative. To my great dehght I found
the boat of the Yille du Havre. It had been
picked np upon the coast by the natives,
and repaired by them. As it had a sail and
oars I resolved to use the boat for my attempt
to escape to the mainland. A stock of pro-
visions— yams, fish, meat, and fowls — was
laid in, enough for a week or more. A large
calabash of water, with a small quantity of
Ew beverage, sufficed for liquids; and,
feverishly anxious as I was to get away,
when all was on board I felt inclined to cast
off that night. However, I waited till Otaroo
came up out of the sea, and then, without
loss of time, cast off and sailed down the bay,
accompanied by many canoes. I do not care
to weary the reader with accounts of my
voyage. Let it suffice to say that before dark
I was well down the coast. On the second
day I had rounded " South-East Cape," and
had trimmed my sail for the Australian shore.
The next day there was no land in sight, and
the little boat danced like a cockle-shell on the
heaving water. It made me feel very solemn
to look up and around, and to see nothing
but water and sky, and to know that I was
thus alone with God. On the fourth day,

230 Adventures in Nezu Guinea,

towards sundown, I sighted a white sail, liko
the wing of a gull in the distance. As she
drew nearer I saw that she was barque-
rigged, and that she was crossing my course.
I crowded on all sail, and felt my heart beat-
ing wildly. After ten years of captivity I
shall see again the old world and home. But
the thought of poor Philip lying in a watery
grave dashed my joy a little, The ship kept
on her way steadily. She had seen me — at
least I thought so. She was putting her helm
down. It was all right, I should be saved.
Never shall I forget the pleasure of that
moment. But the sun went down while she
was yet a considerable distance from me,
Soon it w^as quite dark. I could see, however,
the ship's lights ; could fancy — was it fancy ?
— that I could hear the water rippling by the
ship's side, But she did not get nearer, and
the darkness deepened. I shouted, but no
answer came back ; not even the echo of my
own voice.

Hours passed, and I was still alone on the
sea, unrescued, although so near to safety and
home. During all the night, I kept a keen
look-out, and watched with deepest anxiety.
At times I saw the ship's lights, and thought
she was lying-to until morning ; at others 1
missed her altogether, and then felt that I had

Adventures in New Guinea. 231

beeD given up. I plied the oars untiriDgly to
keep up witli tlie ship, and hoped that by
dawn she would at least be in sight. When
morning dawned, I was doomed to bitter dis-
appointment. No ship could be seen. The
horizon was perfectly clear. I watched the
sun rise out of the ocean like a disc of fire,
and saw his rays burnishing the world's great
highway ; but no ship, no indication of sail or
spar could be seen by the increasing light. I
was bitterly disappointed, and was undecided
how to act. It was evident that there was a
prospect of ships j)assing upward, that I
might be picked up if I kept on my way.
Should I pursue my way, or strike for the
Australian shore ? I decided to make for the
coast, and to land upon the Australian con-
tinent. So, with rising hope, I turned my
boat's head in the direction of the coast,
guiding myself by the sun, Towards night-
fall I sighted a dim bank, which my sailor's
experience told me was land. So I deter-
mined to lie-to all night, lest if I attempted
to approach the shore in the dark, I should
be exposed to some danger. This I accord-
ingly did, and, when the day broke, kept on
my course towards land. Before noon I
approached the shore, a rocky, bold outline
and heard the heavy roll of ocean reverbe-

232 Adventures in New Guinea.

riiting along the coast, and saw tlie spray
spurting up over the cliffs. I coasted the
shore for an hour before finding a place
which permitted me to land. At last an
opening presented itself, and into this open-
ing I ran my boat, and then found that I
was in still water, and able to run myself
ashore. Thank God, I was at last on a
civilized continent, It was a matter of time
only to enable me to reach Moreton Bay. I
formed no plans at once, but determined to
rest myself, and wait until next day before
doing so. In the night I slept in my boat,
and slept soundly. But when morning came
I was in the hands of a number of Australian
savages. They had seen my boat coming
towards the land, and had hidden themselves.
During the night, or rather at the dawn of
day, they had stolen upon me, and I was in
their hands. They treated me kindly, and
seemed very much interested in my fate.
They, however, took everything I had, and
destroyed my boat. No hope of escaping by
that remained to me. A hopeless captivity
must follow, unless some unexpected chance
in my favour arose. From one captivity to
another ! Alas, I was utterly cast down.
However, it is not my intention to relate in
tliis place the particulars of 7ny residence

Adventures in New Guinea. 233

among the aborigines of the Australian con-
tinent. I lived among them for two years,
and obtained much interesting information
respecting their habits and beliefs. They
behaved to me with unexpected kindness,
which I can never repay. I found them
capable of warm, generous impulses, and
intelligent in a high degree. Their character
is, I think, very much misunderstood by
Europeans generally

234 Advenmres in New Guinea

CHAPTER XXVII.

Two years passed away — 3^cars wliicli had
been spent in the wildest portion of the great
island. At one time in hunting ; at another
time in forays against some other tribe. I
had thus learned that the interior of the con-
tinent was not a great desert, but was fertile
and well wooded. There were, however, few
mountains, and, consequently, few rivers of
any size. The country was not at all like the
interior of New Guinea. I always endeavoured
to keep near the coast, in hopes of seeing a
ship and obtaining deliverance through her
means. And so it happened when the tribe
was camped near a rocky headland, which
ran out into the sea, that one evening before
dark I had seen from the top of a hill, a
white sail. I knew that it was the sail of a
ship, and hoped that she was approaching the
coast. I determined to make an effort to
arrest their attention. When night came on
I made a large fire in a conspicuous position,

Adventures in New Guinea, 235

and kept it burning for some hours under the
plea of driving away evil spirits. I saw the
fire leap up higher and higher, and felt that
such a glare would attract attention afar off,
and warn those who saw it that there might
be shipwrecked mariners thereabouts. Nor
was I disappointed. My signal was seen.
Towards morning I ran to the top of the
cliff, and looked out across the ocean. I was
overjoyed to see the ship standing off and on,
while a small boat was pulling towards the
headland. Running down to the shore, to
the place which the boat was approaching, I
was ready to welcome my deliverers. There
were five in the boat, and on seeing me,
the one at the helm, a sea-captain, hailed
me, —

" Hollo, there ! who are you, mate ? "

" A shipwrecked sailor, captain, among the
blacks."

"Any blacks about?" he asked, as he
sprang ashore.

I explained, and he resolved to proceed
with caution.

I need not prolong my narrative. My
friends, the blacks, were unwilling to part
with me, yet allowed me to leave them with
many expressions of regret, and I was shortly

o

6 Adventures in New Giivtea.

afterwards taken on board tlie Newcastle sliip.
I was eagerly questioned on reaching her
about my captivity and adventures, and en-
deavoured to satisfy the curiosity of my
rescuers. After I had taken some refresh-
ment, I was called aft to be questioned by
the captain.

" What countryman are you ? " he inquired,
for I had several times spoken in Orangwok,
and had indeed but an imperfect apprehension
of English. I had not spoken it for twelve
years.

*' What countryman are you ? "

" French, sir," was my reply.

" French ! " he exclaimed, speaking in that
tongue. " From what part of France do you
come ? "

" From the province of Maine."

" And what is your name, my man ? " he
asked, with great interest in his tones ; " I
too am from Maine, from the village of — "

" What ! " I exclaimed, " you are not Philip
Rigaud of the Ville dii Havre ? " I scanned
his face closely, as I asked the question, bub
twelve years alter most men much and alter
some men greatly ; yet I could see, I fancied,
a resemblance to my old friend. In another
moment I threw myself upon his neck, and

Adventures in New Guinea. 237

embraced him. I knew it was Philip who
stood before me.

" You, Louis, you ahve?" was all that he
could saj, in broken tones.

Philip was not dead. The wave had swept
the boat away, had endangered the safety of
the crew, yet had not swallowed them up.
They had kept away from the coast, as the
waves were breaking for miles along the
shore. After the subsiding of the storm,
they continued their course down the coast
and endeavoured to reach the Australian con-
tinent. On the third day, a schooner, driven
out of her course by the hurricane, picked

them up, and they were saved.

*****

Philip was now, and had been for several

years, master of the Newcastle ship. He was

able to offer me the post of second mate with

him, which I gladly accepted. I am to be

first mate shortly, and with this expectation

I am content. I am with my old friend —

the friend of my boyhood.

*****

Once Philip had returned to France to his
early home. His parents were dead. So too
was my mother. She had, however, received
my last letter before I sailed for New Guinea,

238 Adventures in New Guinea.

aud had been, greatly comforted by it. " Alas !
my mother, never shall I see thee agam in
tbis earthly Hfe!"

My story is ended. The reader will, I
trust, pardon all its faults.

THE END.

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Dick Oheveley. Br W. H. G. Kingston.
Heir of Kilflnnan. By W. H. G. Kingston.
Off to tiie Wilds. By G. Manville Fenn.
The Two Supercareroes. By W. H. G.

Kingston.
The Silver Canon. By G. ManvUle Fenn.
Under the Meteor Flag. By Hany

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Jack Archer : a Tala of th« CMmea. By O.

A. Henty.
The Mutiny on boardi the Ship

" Leander." By B. Haldmann.
"With Axe and Rifle; or, The Western

Pioneers. By W. H. G. Kingston.
Red Cloud, the Solitary Siotix : a Tale of

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Charmouth Grange: a Tala of the 17th

Century. By J. Percy Groves.
Snowshoea and Canoes. By W. H. a

Kingston.
The Son of the Constable of France.

By Louis Kousselet.
Captain Mugford ; or, Oi«i Salt and Fresh

Water Tutors. Edited by W. H. G. Kingston.
The Cornet of Horse ; a Tale ot Marl-

boroiigh't Wars. By G. A. Henty.
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Leon Caliun.
Noble Words and Noble Deeds.
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Hans Brinker; or. The SUyer Skates. By

Mrs. Dodge.
The Drummer-Boy; a Story of the time of

Washington. By Rousselet.
Adventures in New Guinea ; The Nar-
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The Crusoes of Guiana. By Boussenard.
The Gold-Seekers. A Sequel to the above.

By Boussenard.
Winning his Spurs: « Tale of the Crusade.

By G. A. Henty.
The Blue Banner, By Leon Cahun.
Ben Burton ; or. Bom and Bred at Sea. By

W. H. G. Kingston.
Adventures on the Great Hunting

Grounds of the World. By V. Meunier.
The Three Deserters; or. Ran Away from

the Dutch. By IM. T. H. Perelaer.
My Kalulu, Prince, King, and Slave.

By U. M. Stanley.

Adventures of a Young Naturalist.

By Lucien Biart Edited and adapted by Parker

Gillmore (Ubique).
The Startling Exploits of the Doctor,

By C61iere.
The Brothers Rantzau: a Story of the

Vosges. By Erckmann-Chatrlan.
The Serpent Charmer. By Louis Rousselet.
Stories of the Gorilla Country, By

Paul Du ChaiUu
The Conquest of the Moon. By A. Laurie.
The Maid of the Ship "Golden Age."

By H. K. Maclean.
The Frozen Pirate. By W. Clark Ruasell.
The Marvellous Country. ByS.W. Cozzens.
The Mountain Kingdom. By D. Lawson

Johnstone.
A Thousand Miles In the "Rob Roy"

. Canoe. By John MacGregor (" Rob Roy ").
Blacks and Bushrangers ; or. Adventurer

in Queensland. By E. B. Kennedy.
Sir liUdar : a Tale of Love, War, and Adventure

In the days of the great Queen Bess. By Talbot

Baines Reed.
Wild Life under the Equator. By Paul

Du Chaillu.
My Rambles in the New World. By

Lucien Biart.
New York to Brest in Seven Hours.

By A. Laurie.
Rob Roy on the Balti*. By John Mac-
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Bevis. By Richard JeSeries. Edited by Q. A.

Henty.
The Cobbler of Oomikeranium. By

Rev. A. N. Malan.
Strange Stories of Adventure. By

Captain Mayne Reid.
The Azteo Treasure-House. By T. A.

Janvier.

How Martin Drake found Ms Father.

By G. Norway.
Roger Ingleton, Minor, By T. B. Reed.
Axel Ebersen« the Graduate of Upsala,

By A. Laurie,
Sandy Carmichael. By C. J. Hyne.
The Priceless Orchid. By Percy Ainslie.
An Inca Queen. By J. Evelyn,
Voyage Alone in the Yawl "Rob

Roy." By J. MacGregor.
Adrift in the Pacilic. By Jules Verne.
The Purchase of the North Pole. Bjr

Jules Verne.

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MRS. WHITNEY.

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9. The Other Girls.

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CAPTAIN SAMUELS.
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MADAME DE WITT.
2S. An Only Sister.

C. DUDLEY WARNER.

32. In the Wilderness.

35, My Summer in a Garden.

X. B. SAINTINE.
33, Piociola: or. The Prison Flower.

SAXE HOLM.
84, Draxy Miller's Dowry.

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